Commercial – Remodelling – Swadlincote, Derbyshire

The project formed part of the Swadlincote Townscape Heritage Scheme, aimed at revitalising the town centre through the sensitive refurbishment of its historic buildings.

The works focused on the reinstatement of a traditional shop front in keeping with the building’s early 20th-century character, alongside significant façade repairs and upgrades. Urban Designs were responsible for measured surveys, production of large-scale joinery details and heritage statement, and preparation of planning and advertisement consent applications. Further involvement included the discharge of planning conditions, support for a grant application, and preparation of information for a building regulations submission, as required.

The existing shop frontage had been heavily modernised, featuring a flat, unsympathetic design and poor-quality materials. Drawing on historic photographs and contextual analysis, a bespoke design was developed to harmonise the frontage and reflect the property’s original architectural style. Features include:

• A recessed doorway with angled return window and mosaic tiled entrance
• Painted hardwood shopfront with pilasters, console brackets, and overhanging cornice with lead flashing
• Timber-framed windows modelled on historic bronze designs
• Installation of black glazed brick stall risers
• Traditional hanging signage and painted fascia panels

Alongside the shop front, additional restoration works included the refurbishment of first-floor windows, repainting of rendered surfaces, repointing of brickwork using lime mortar, and installation of new cast aluminium rainwater goods.

This project reflects Urban Designs’ continued commitment to delivering high-quality, conservation-led regeneration in historic settings — balancing authenticity, functionality, and careful material specification to achieve a cohesive and lasting result.