Holder Mathias Architects has been appointed by Surrey Heath Borough Council to design two residential schemes in Camberley. Led by the council’s development partner, Berkeley Homes, the redevelopment of Ashwood House and Pembroke House will support the regeneration of the town centre and facilitate its future growth through the creation of 141 new homes and retail space.
Acquired by Surrey Heath Borough Council in 2015, Ashwood House occupies a key site on Pembroke Broadway in the town centre and will be converted and extended to provide 116 one and two bedroom flats. Simultaneously, Pembroke House, located on Frimley Road, will be redeveloped to provide 25 affordable flats and retail space for local businesses.
Holder Mathias’ design approach aligns with the council’s vision to regenerate the town centre and its surroundings by providing contemporary, residential scheme that will improve the appearance and character of the local area, while providing a vibrant gateway into the area. Pembroke House will provide a separate affordable housing scheme.
For Ashwood House, the building’s existing brickwork will be refreshed and new design features such as cornicing and metal louvres will be added to complement the proposed extension. A new roof extension will be designed using translucent glazed cladding and panelling to contrast with the brick on the lower floors.
Pembroke House will be replaced with a four-storey residential building, including retail units below; rebuilt using two shades of brick, a traditional material used locally, it will be designed as a series of bays to reflect the rhythm of buildings along Frimley Road.
Max Poole, Partner at Holder Mathias, said: “Through our experience redesigning town centres as part of significant regeneration schemes, we have the expertise to deliver the council’s vision for Camberley in order to guarantee its future development and prosperity. Our design approach draws inspiration from traditional materials used locally, but also adds a contemporary edge that will futureproof the area’s appearance and character.”
Surrey Heath Borough Council Chief Executive Karen Whelan said: “We are delighted to be working with Holder Mathias on these key Camberley schemes and look forward to their exciting plans being realised.”