• Factory conversion honoured by civic society

Factory conversion honoured by civic society

"This recognition shows that we achieved one of our aims in enhancing the immediate environment."

Jim Patman, emh group Development Director

canal-street

The regeneration of a former shoe factory in South Wigston by social housing provider emh homes has been praised by the local civic society.

Wigston Civic Society was so impressed with the conversion of the former Stamford Shoe Works on Canal Street that they have awarded a Certificate of Commendation to the development team at emh homes.

Situated in the South Wigston Conservation Area, the £1m development has seen the sympathetic refurbishment of a derelict eyesore into 12 new affordable homes.

This is not the first time the scheme has been recognised. Stamford Court – as the new development is called - was named residential scheme of the year at the RICS East Midlands Awards 2015, which celebrate how property professionals develop, regenerate and conserve their environments. The successful transformation of the factory has also acted as a catalyst for further regeneration in the area, with the design team submitting a planning application for a similar conversion to the neighbouring disused factory.

Jim Patman, emh group Development Director, said: “The critical measures of a successful development are whether it provides good quality homes that will last, and whether it enhances the immediate environment. I am particularly delighted with this commendation from the Wigston Civic Society as it shows this redevelopment was particularly successful on the second criteria. It also recognises the hard work of emh group and all our project partners – rg+p architects, North Midland Construction, and Oadby and Wigston Council.”

Peter Cousins, Wigston Civic Society Chairman, said: “Wigston Civic Society strives to make Wigston, South Wigston and Kilby Bridge better places in which to live, work and shop. The revitalisation of Canal Street, started by South Leicestershire College with its outstanding new building, has been excellently continued by emh homes. The conversion of the old shoe factory has greatly contributed to bringing South Wigston - built mainly by one man, Orson Wright, in the mid 19th century - well and truly into the 21st century.”