MWA Deliver 24 Carat Service For Walkers

A redundant store at the heart of Huddersfield town centre has received a new lease of life thanks to Walkers Jewellers and successful listed building and planning consent applications from Martin Walsh Architectural.

Formerly a flower shop, known locally as the Posy Bowl, the empty unit had been vacant for over five years before a local couple fought to acquire the space. Sharron and Dave Walker have now successfully expanded their jewellery store to accommodate The Studio, their new jewellery workshop.

Walkers Jewellers expands following successful listed building and planning consent.

Sharron Walker, Owner of Walkers Jewellers, comments: “Our store has been home to a jeweller since 1852. Formerly Fillans, we took over in 2003. So, you could say that we are custodians of the shop, ‘The Old shop’, and have a rightful place at the heart of the Huddersfield high street.

“We knew that if we wanted to support our growing business and remain on the high street for many years to come, we had to expand. So, it was natural for us to extend into the vacant space just next door. But this wasn’t without its challenges.”

Positioned within a conservation area and with a listed shop front, the transformation of The Old Shop required careful consideration and consent.

Gerald Sharp, Senior Technician at Martin Walsh Architectural, comments: “Seeing The Posy Bowl boarded up for such a long time must have been heart-breaking for Sharron and Dave, especially when they were so desperate to breathe new life into the space.

“When they finally received the keys, we knew that we had to work hard to get them the permission they needed to extend their shop, which had already become such an iconic space locally.

“The Old Shop has been listed since 1902, knocking through to extend the space required approval. With original glass cabinets and a significant amount of antiques, the works had to be carried out with a great deal of care too.”

Sharron continued: “Our store, which now combines the Old Shop with the newly opened Studio, is integral to our brand and business. For every purchase made, the customer goes away with a fabulous memory of this beautiful shop that has been here for generations.

“We talk about offering talent and tradition combined. Tradition does not just come from the antiques that we meticulously restore, or the techniques and tools that we use – but also from our shop too!”

The MWA team obtained building regulations to allow the spaces to be knocked through, creating a high-quality retail environment and improved staff access between the two units. Working with HCM Developments from Huddersfield, the store now has a brand new look.