Plans to regenerate a brownfield site in the centre of Hemel Hempstead with 56 one- and two-bedroom homes and a purpose-built headquarters for homeless charity, DENS have been given the green light.
The Paradise Depot site, off St Albans Road, is currently occupied by the DENS office and foodbank as well as other commercial/industrial premises, and will now be completely redeveloped as a new asset for the Hertfordshire town.
Multi-disciplinary design practice, rg+p has designed the scheme for Dacorum Borough Council. Grant Giblett, the project’s lead and rg+p’s Director said: “Paradise Depot occupies a central location with plenty of amenities nearby, meaning it’s entirely suited for a modern, mixed-use development. We extensively modelled the site to maximise the number of new homes, which I’m pleased to say delivers beyond the original expectation without compromising on space standards for residents.
“The two-storey DENS centre has been designed in close consultation with the charity to better serve its needs; and will comprise a ground floor foodbank and bike workshop together with first floor community café, office space, kitchen and multi-functional meeting rooms.
“The overall design will create a real sense of place, not just somewhere to live and work, but an attractive and sustainable environment for the whole community. It’s very welcome news that our vision is shared by Dacorum Borough Council and the application has been approved,” concluded Grant.
Hemel Hempstead’s distinctive local vernacular heavily influenced rg+p’s choices for the material palette. The concept for the apartment building references the Old Townscape’s Tudor heritage and will feature a blend of red and dark brickwork with hit and miss detailing and a rusticated plinth. Contrastingly, the new DENS centre will have a predominantly darker appearance with black frame windows and rainscreen cladding. However, the foodbank entrance is designed as a focal point and will feature decorative tiling inspired by Hertfordshire Puddingstone. Unique to the area, Puddingstone traditionally has a subtle and muted exterior but when cut, has vibrant orange, brown and blue hues, meaning this façade will look both striking and individual.
Paradise Depot is rg+p’s third affordable housing scheme for Dacorum Borough Council in Hemel Hempstead, following the award-winning Kylna Court and Magenta Court. Its approved design also includes cycle/scooter storage, car parking, residents’ garden and additional landscaping. Work is scheduled to commence in Summer 2023.
