Royal William Yard, Plymouth

Project winner

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Architect

Acanthus Ferguson Mann

Developer

Urban Splash South West

Contractor

Midas Construction

Planning Authority

Plymouth City Council

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Constructed between 1825 and 1831, Clarence and Brewhouse buildings are part of the Royal William Yard, one of British military history’s key complexes. Designed by Sir John Rennie as both a factory and supply depot for ships' victualling needs, here the Royal Navy refuelled with rum. It continued to supply right up to its closure in the early 1990s.

The conversion of Clarence is now complete and forms the first part of the residential development. Brewhouse provides the mixeduse, a combination of residential, exhibition space, restaurant and café providing in total a 130 apartments. Brewhouse is due for completion in January 2006.

Apartment accommodation varies in size from single bed to three-bed units. The design is clean, contemporary and restrained in contrast to the dark, rich historic atmosphere. Visible connections to the existing fabric are recessed in shadow. Smooth clean forms will reflect light and contrast with the rough textures of the existing fabric, thereby emphasising the ancient and the new.

here the Royal Navy refuelled with rum