Cheltenham Municipal Offices Design Proposal
RRA Architects > Cheltenham Municipal Offices Design Proposal- RRA Architects’ visionary design to transform Cheltenham’s Grade II listed Municipal Offices into a vibrant mixed-use scheme of retail, offices and 63 apartments was shortlisted to the final two out of eleven proposals.
- Status: Feasibilty Completed 2024
- Location: Cheltenham, Gloucestershire
- Client: The Boyce Group
- Collaborators: SF Planning, Rappor, Beard Construction, BPE Solicitors, Knight Frank
- Categories: Commercial, Conservation & Heritage, Developer Residential & Strategic Land
Watch our fly-thru of the scheme.
Set in the heart of Cheltenham’s town centre, the iconic Regency Municipal Offices ,a Grade II* listed former council headquarters, was reimagined as a high-quality mixed-use development marrying old and new. RRA’s scheme proposed breathing new life into the historic structure with boutique retail at ground level, flexible office and wellness spaces on lower floors and an undercroft car park to optimise site usage. Upper floors would be converted to a range of residential units, from first-time buyer flats to spacious penthouses, bringing much-needed homes into the town centre.
Alongside the refurbishment of the existing building, the proposal introduced a separate new-build block to the rear of the site. This contemporary addition was designed to provide dual-aspect modern homes with private balconies and excellent energy performance (high EPC ratings), all while complementing the heritage setting.
Crucially, the design embraced sustainable, low-carbon principles throughout. Proposed measures included modern low-carbon energy systems, mechanical ventilation with heat recovery (MVHR) for efficient climate control, sedum green roofs to enhance urban biodiversity, and smart solar shading to prevent overheating. The scheme also prioritized re-using the original building fabric wherever possible, reducing waste and preserving the site’s embodied carbon.
Historic sensitivity was paramount: the scheme respected the building’s Regency architecture, retaining its elegant façade and key features while introducing contemporary elements in a sympathetic manner. By revitalising this landmark in a sustainable way, the design would deliver cultural and economic value to Cheltenham’s town centre. It addressed community needs – providing housing and wellness facilities, uplifting the public realm and encouraging local investment, all within a scheme fusing the past heritage with future design.
Though not taken forward to construction, RRA is proud that our design was shortlisted in the final two for this prestigious project. The proposal stands as a testament to our commitment to innovative, sustainable design that honours heritage and enriches communities.