The Marlowes is one of the main streets in Hemel Hempstead and was part of the wider Gade area regeneration of the town centre. This scheme involved the conversion of the bank building to the front of the site and a new build scheme on a car park to the rear. The new build scheme responded carefully to the existing urban fabric with a fresh, modern approach. Large windows and brick detailing add interest to the facade, while render cladding to the top floor reduced the overall massing of the new apartment blocks.
The two new buildings were carefully positioned to reflect the historic pattern of development along the Marlowes, reinstating a rhythm that had long been eroded. Existing brick boundary walls, which once defined the gardens of earlier houses, were retained and integrated into the landscaping strategy, giving the scheme a sense of continuity with the site’s past. This approach ensured that the development was not only functional but also respectful of the layered character of the area.
Site levels were reduced to help the new buildings sit comfortably alongside the listed properties at the front, minimising their visual impact from the Marlowes and preserving the prominence of the heritage assets. As part of the wider strategy to maximise the site’s potential, the former bank building fronting the street was converted into residential apartments under permitted development rights, while an existing plant enclosure at roof level was repurposed to create a penthouse apartment. These interventions balanced conservation and commercial value, enabling the delivery of high‑quality homes while safeguarding the architectural setting of the historic streetscape. This project was delivered by our director under the Avebury brand.