Transforming a fire-damaged historic building into a landmark mixed-use development
This landmark former Harper’s building, vacant since an arson attack in 2017, is being carefully restored and repurposed to secure its long-term future. Rather than demolition, the project focuses on retaining and repairing the existing structure, recognising its importance within the historic High Street townscape and its relationship to the surrounding buildings.
The proposals reinstate an active Class E commercial use at ground-floor level, ensuring continued vitality and engagement with the High Street, while introducing nine high-quality apartments to the upper floors. The residential accommodation has been thoughtfully designed to work within the constraints of the retained building, providing well-planned, contemporary homes supported by high standards of daylight, outlook and amenity.
A new residents’ roof terrace is introduced to the rear of the building, offering shared outdoor space with views towards the neighbouring St Andrew’s Church. This provides valuable communal amenity while remaining sensitive to the setting of the adjacent heritage asset and the wider street scene.
Overall, the scheme represents a heritage-led regeneration project that celebrates local character, brings a prominent vacant building back into productive use, and delivers sustainable new homes in the heart of the village. By combining restoration, reuse and careful design, the project makes a positive contribution to Starbeck’s High Street and supports its continued renewal.
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