rg+p secure planning permission for Hemel Hempstead affordable homes and homeless charity HQ
Regeneration plans to transform the Paradise Depot brownfield site will provide 56 one- and two-bedroom homes and a purpose-built HQ for homeless charity, DENS.
Multi-disciplinary design practice, rg+p designed the scheme for Dacorum Borough Council.
The affordable housing development will feature red and dark brickwork to fit in with the Old Townscape’s Tudor heritage.
The new DENS centre will feature black frame windows and rainscreen cladding.
Plans also include cycle/scooter storage, car parking, residents’ garden and additional landscaping.
Grant Giblett, the project’s lead and rg+p’s director said: “We extensively modelled the site to maximise the number of new homes, which I’m pleased to say delivers beyond the original expectation without compromising on space standards for residents.
“The two-storey DENS centre has been designed in close consultation with the charity to better serve its needs; and will comprise a ground floor foodbank and bike workshop together with first floor community café, office space, kitchen and multi-functional meeting rooms.
“The overall design will create a real sense of place, not just somewhere to live and work, but an attractive and sustainable environment for the whole community.”
Work is scheduled to commence in Summer 2023.
