Bid to transform Mulcaster Street offices into flats with 'historic' railings

Thursday 31 August 2023

Mulcaster Street offices could be transformed into homes featuring railings by local blacksmiths representing 150 years of history in the area, if planning agree.

An application has been submitted to convert the building on the corner of Mulcaster Street - currently home to Hepburns Insurance - into eight one-bedroom flats and three two-bedroom flats.

The application includes a proposal for railings celebrating the history of the Weighbridge area as its 'Percentage for Art' contribution, which has been put together by Private and Public art consultancy.

A statement submitted as part of the planning application explains that the railings could include motifs such as railway trains, cruise liners, travel tickets, sets of luggage, aeroplanes, parasols and other symbols paying homage to the tourism and hospitality industries that have dominated the area.

Pictured: Examples of the style the railings may take, which were included in the planning application.

While the exact plans for the railings are yet to be developed, it has been suggested in the application that Grouville-based Artisan Iron take the lead in designing them.

The application, which has been graded 'Major' and remains under consideration, can be viewed here.