Lady Bee Enterprise Centre
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ECE Architecture
Transforming Shoreham Port’s reclaimed land into a landmark business hub, this flagship development set a new design standard for the entire harbour regeneration.
As a new architectural addition to the port, the Lady Bee Enterprise Centre redefines industrial architecture with a contemporary edge. This striking development breaks from conventional commercial forms, establishing a unique visual identity that has since inspired eight further projects within the port.
The centre brings together a dynamic mix of enterprises across three two-storey buildings, housing 14 diverse commercial units totalling 1,307m² of lettable space. This carefully designed community now welcomes sustainable production companies, disability support organisations, and marine-based enterprises, providing crucial infrastructure for local businesses and start-ups. The spaces blend functionality with inspired design, creating environments where innovation thrives alongside the bustling port activities.
The project navigated unique challenges, including maintaining operations on a live site while respecting the natural environment. Most notably, the team discovered a family of swans using the land and slipway for nesting. Rather than displacing these resident birds, we incorporated a bespoke temporary nesting platform, ensuring their habitat remained undisturbed throughout construction and beyond.
Maritime influences permeate every architectural element, from diamond-shaped cladding echoing fish scales to an elevational profile mimicking breaking waves. The distinctive sawtooth roof not only reflects the industrial setting but also provides practical benefits: north-facing lights, stack-effect ventilation, and south-facing surfaces for photovoltaic panels.
Considering the coastal environment, we selected durable materials like self-healing zinc, ensuring longevity in this challenging setting while achieving impressive environmental performance.
Lady Bee Enterprise Centre stands as a beacon of excellence, recognised with the RIBA South East Award 2021, LABC Award 2020, and Sussex Heritage Award 2020.
This pioneering project demonstrates how thoughtful architecture can create lasting commercial value while establishing a new design language for an evolving maritime landscape – blending heritage, functionality, and bold vision.
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