Transforming Heritage: The Regeneration of an Old Shoe Factory in Childs Hill
In the bustling neighbourhood of Childs Hill, London, an old family-owned shoe factory has found a new purpose, transformed from its industrial roots into a vibrant residential community. This historic building, which has been part of the family’s portfolio for generations, has been thoughtfully redeveloped into modern mews homes and flats. Known as Etrona Mews, the project successfully blends the building’s historic charm with contemporary design, creating an inviting, eco-friendly residential development that has resonated with buyers and tenants alike.
The journey to creating Etrona Mews began with securing a “change of use” for the property under a “permitted development” application. This regulatory step allowed the property to shift from industrial to residential use, paving the way for a complete redesign of the old factory. One of the key architectural features of the project was a vertical extension added to the central block, expanding the factory’s original framework to accommodate nine modern units. These include three mews-style houses and six flats, designed to offer a variety of living spaces to suit diverse needs.
A distinguishing feature of Etrona Mews is the harmonious integration of original and modern materials. The developers retained the factory’s original industrial brickwork as a foundation, preserving the building’s historic character while introducing contemporary elements such as black timber and zinc cladding. These additions create a sleek, modern aesthetic that complements the building’s heritage, giving Etrona Mews a unique and visually appealing look. Each unit within the development has been carefully insulated and built with sustainability in mind, contributing to a highly efficient, eco-friendly residential environment.
The layout of Etrona Mews centres around a communal courtyard, which serves as the heart of the development. This shared outdoor space provides residents with ample natural light and leafy views, fostering a sense of community and tranquillity within the urban landscape. The courtyard arrangement also creates an open, airy feel, enhancing the quality of life for residents by offering them a peaceful retreat within the bustling city. Furthermore, Etrona Mews backs onto a local park, providing additional green space and recreational opportunities right at the residents’ doorstep.
The completion of Etrona Mews in June 2022 marked a major milestone for all involved. Not only was the development completed on budget, but it also achieved remarkable success in the market, with all units quickly sold or let. The project was supported by Price & Myers, the structural engineers, and Bonfield, the quantity surveyors, both of whom played key roles in ensuring the development met high standards of design, quality, and sustainability. With a total area of 9,000 square feet and a budget of £2.8 million, Etrona Mews stands as a testament to the potential of adaptive reuse in urban development.
In summary, the regeneration of the old shoe factory into Etrona Mews highlights the possibilities of transforming industrial heritage into modern, eco-friendly housing. This project has not only provided new homes in Childs Hill but has also contributed to the area’s character and community, showcasing the potential of sustainable urban redevelopment.
We are proud to feature and promote in our architecture magazine the transformation of a shoe factory into Etrona Mews
