Atelier, Brooks Road

ECE Architecture

Breathing new life into a redundant industrial site, Atelier transforms Brooks Road into a thriving mixed-use development that honours Lewes’ rich heritage while creating spaces for modern living and working.

Drawing inspiration from Lewes’ industrial past, our design celebrates the architectural iconography that still peppers the town and the River Ouse. The development’s form echoes historic industrial structures while adapting them for contemporary needs.

Material choices were carefully considered to harmonise with the surroundings, ensuring Atelier becomes an integral part of its setting. Panoramic views from the upper flats capture the breathtaking South Downs landscape, connecting residents to the natural beauty that has shaped Lewes throughout its history.

The scheme integrates seamlessly into the existing fabric of Lewes through thoughtful design and contemporary references to the town’s characteristic “twittens” – passages that define its historic layout. These perforated routes encourage movement between the development and surrounding areas, promoting permeability and connectivity.

This approach creates a natural transition between commercial and residential zones, extending the urban retail realm while preserving the town’s distinctive character.

Initially, the site carried a commercial-only designation, presenting a significant challenge for our vision of a mixed-use development. Through proactive engagement and a collaborative relationship with local Planning Officers, we demonstrated how a residential-led scheme would better serve community needs.

Our persistence resulted in unanimous approval for a balanced development featuring 41 high-quality dwellings – 100% affordable – alongside commercial spaces, addressing critical local housing demands while preserving commercial opportunities in an area with strong industrial heritage.

The 13 incubator business spaces were purposefully designed to nurture local entrepreneurship and small-scale enterprises. These flexible units provide the perfect launching pad for start-ups and small businesses, offering accessible spaces that respond directly to local market requirements.

The ground-floor commercial spaces create an active street frontage that contributes to the area’s vibrancy while providing valuable resources for Lewes’ business community. This approach ensures economic opportunity remains woven into the fabric of the development, just as industry has been integral to Lewes’ story.

Where once stood a simple tyre shop now thrives a dynamic community of residents and businesses. Atelier stands as a testament to thoughtful regeneration – honouring Lewes’ past while creating spaces that enable its future.

The development demonstrates how carefully considered architecture can revitalise underutilised sites, create affordable homes, and support local enterprise while remaining true to a town’s unique character and heritage.