Wheelwrights

Riverside Office Conversion along River Trent

Situated in the historic riverside area of Millgate in Newark, the project sought to convert an old Wheelwright’s workshop into new offices.

The site sits adjacent to the Trent Navigation and forms the historic wall of this canalised section of the river. The existing building is believed to be an old stable block built in the early 19th Century for the dray horses which would cart imported products from the Wharf side up to the breweries. It was converted into a wheelwrights during the 1980s Millgate regeneration scheme which encouraged artisans to live and work in this once run-down area referred to locally as the ‘Millgate slums’.

The building forms an L-shape and consists of two wings built at different periods, there is also what is believed to be an old garden wall to the adjacent property which is incorporated into one of the elevations. The scheme aimed to faithfully restore the old stable wing, and to replace the newer wing with a modern interpretation. This new wing now addresses its waterside location, fronting the river with a glazed gable. It also bridges over the riverside walk, a public right of way forming part of the Newark heritage trail.  

The materials are sensitive to the conservation area and the history of the site, using brick and pantiles on the stable block reflecting the prevalent materials of the area. Charred timber and slate on the new wing bring a modern twist to historic materials. The scheme provides office accommodation over two floors with associated facilities and river views.