Restoration
MAP Charity
When we started this journey in 2022, we knew this building was special. Not only would it support a charity that is delivering great things for education, small businesses and creatives locally, but it would also preserve and breathe life back into this historically significant building for years to come.
BACKGROUND
MAP Charity realised that it could support its long-term vision, to become an invaluable resource for the local community, by restoring Hope Foundry. Its goal was to develop rentable workspaces that would bring vacant and under-utilised space into beneficial use.
To achieve this, MAP Charity was awarded funds from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and Leeds City Council.
Our ambition was bold from the start. We refused to compromise when it came to protecting assets, have proved that it was achievable and are pleased that this refurbishment has brought back into use over 6,000 sq. ft of workspace.
Matt Morgan
Architectural Technologist
REQUIREMENTS
Team MWA was appointed as the design team lead by MAP Charity and sought Listed Building Consent.
Working on behalf of MAP Charity, and in partnership with Cooper & Hall as the Construction Phase Quantity Surveyors and contractors Ashfield Group, MWA’s objective was to breathe new life into the building.
The restoration project needed to:
- Protect the creative heritage of the site.
- Bring the existing space into use while ensuring that the building was as sustainable as possible.
- Enable accessibility.
INSIGHT
As part of the refurbishment, there were no major demolition works or extensions required.
MWA has significant experience with conservation projects, with no two refurbishments ever the same. Each project requires recommendations based on its heritage and objectives which means you are always learning about new materials, processes and skills.
Matt Morgan
Architectural Technologist
CHALLENGES
The unknown of what comes with a heritage-based restoration project was the main challenge, especially when the project was operating with a restricted budget.
The team had to be proactively reactive which meant being on site every week to address factors that weren’t anticipated or that the team didn’t know about until restorative worked started.
OUTCOME
Hope Foundry was refurbished in a sustainable way bringing back over 6,000sq.ft of workspace.
A “refurbish not replace” approach was taken through innovative methodologies.
Galvanised trunking and cable trays were utilised throughout.
A modern personnel lift was built in a historic, disused goods lift shaft.
Window refurbishment and thermal improvements were supported by a specialist team of carpenters.
Re-exposed brick vaulted ceilings protected the structure by embracing modern suspended light fittings and electric fixtures, whilst minimising costs.
Existing floor finishes were removed and the historic floors were cleaned, sanded and finished.
Original features such as oak trusses, parquet floors, brick vaulted ceilings and terrazzo stone floors, were revealed.
Any factors that arose were dealt with quickly by the team being on site each week.
It has been a fantastic project to be a part of. It is a real pleasure to hand Hope Foundry back to MAP Charity and we are all excited to see the space back in use and supporting all the creative individuals, businesses and organisations that will call it their home.
Matt Morgan
Architectural Technologist
A BUILDING THAT WORKS HARDER
MWA has helped to minimise any negative impact on the heritage of the building, enabling it to embrace the next phase of its journey.
The building has been protected and preserved in order for Hope Foundry to be fit for purpose and ready for those that will soon call it home.
This project reinforced that one technical solution does not fit all and that the best results take into consideration the building, its heritage and its objectives for the future.
Martin Walsh Architectural, Cooper & Hall and Ashfield Group have helped MAP Charity to realise its vision for Hope Foundry – to protect the heritage but also that of its creative creators and makers.
In 2023, MWA was shortlisted for a Constructing Excellence Yorkshire and Humber Award for the restoration of Hope Foundry.
We are so proud to see this phase of the restoration of Hope Foundry recognised in these prestigious awards. When we set out on this journey, we recognised that our plans were ambitious, but thanks to the support from our funders and the meticulous work of our project partners, we are realising our ambition.
Tom Smith
Director at MAP Charity
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