Business Hub

This adaptive reuse design formed part of a group project which sought to produce a 'levelling-up' masterplan strategy for Burnley City Centre in response to the current UK government policy to reduce regional inequality. Burnley was chosen due to the fact that it was identified as needing additional investment in order to offer the same level of opportunity as other parts of the country in 2021.

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Design Summary: A simple but innovative reuse design with a strong emphasis on circular economy/degrowth principles. The proposed building acts as a central hub for the family brand 'MADE IN BURNLEY' which aims to boost the local economy and community spirit through civic pride. Linking in with the wider project masterplan, the building encourages integration between the local traders and the local community of Burnley by uniting local market traders to fight back against the global franchises that dominate the city, thus strengthening the local economy of Burnley through the facilitation of face-to-face transactions. The building is designed to foster a 'networking atmosphere' and offers; an open-plan branding & packaging workshop, an educational workshop and private office spaces to rent. The design not only encourages integration between the traders themselves but between the local community and the traders through the use of hosting market events, a public communal garden, a communal garden shed that operates through a 'labour for currency' system and a communal cafe.