Hopwood Lane Gateway Project

Halifax

Proposals include ten new homes, office space, cafe and restaurant. Designed by Glenn Howells Architects.

We warmly welcome this scheme and the careful analysis of local characteristics which have informed it. Its scale, quantum, materials and general architectural language fit successfully into this part of Halifax.

The intelligent diagram of the scheme provides commercial space and good flats with well sized rooms around a courtyard. The architecture is a contemporary, yet contextual interpretation of Halifax.

Regarding the town centre location of this scheme, we question the quantum of car parking provision for the offices. The impact of cars on the proposed amenity space and on views into the courtyard from the housing opposite could be mitigated by a different landscape treatment.

Ultimately, the success of the scheme will be dependent on the quality of materials and detailing, particularly of the proposed natural stone, and we urge the local authority to condition these as appropriate.

We wish the project well and look forward to seeing this carefully thought through design built.