Church Square, Oldbury
Lapworth Architects have been appointed to guide the sensitive conversion of a Grade II listed former bank at Church Square in Oldbury. The building occupies a prominent position overlooking the civic junction, where its classical front façade forms one of the key heritage markers in the town centre. The brief is to retain the significance of the historic frontage while preparing the building for a new residential use as a high quality HMO, meeting local housing need and securing the long term future of this listed structure.
The Design and Heritage Planning Statement identifies the architectural value of the principal elevation, original stone detailing and the surviving structural form facing the square. The rear elements and internal areas have been altered over time and hold less significance, allowing careful adaptation to meet modern living standards. Our scheme keeps the listed street frontage intact, supported by a conservation approach that respects the classical order, window proportions and masonry detailing. Internal reorganisation focuses on upgrading circulation, improving light and creating rooms that meet current amenity expectations without compromising the historic elements recorded in the heritage assessment.
The site context is defined by its civic setting, neighbouring commercial properties and the established street pattern around Church Square. Key moves follow the building’s existing hierarchy by keeping the public frontage as the dominant element and concentrating new accommodation to the rear, where alterations can be absorbed without affecting the character of the square. External works are limited to what is appropriate for a listed building in this setting and follow the guidance set out in the heritage statement and local conservation policies.
Planning and heritage coordination are handled through a clear, record-based workflow. We prepare the necessary listed building information, track revisions precisely and present council-ready drawings through our digital processes, including UK Planning Gateway. This ensures Oldbury and wider Birmingham decision makers receive consistent and transparent submissions for a sensitive listed building HMO.
For homeowners and developers searching for architects in Birmingham or architects in Oldbury with experience in listed building development, this commission shows how our team balance heritage, planning and contemporary residential requirements. From civic buildings in Oldbury to residential work across Edgbaston and Solihull, our practice delivers context-led schemes with a clear architectural rationale.
