PLANS have been drawn up for a major facelift for Chadwick House – the iconic central building on Warrington’s Birchwood Park.
The proposals are intended to improve the appearance of the building and also its thermal performance.
Detailed plans involve the replacement of the existing curtain wall facade with a new double-glazed ppc aluminium curtain walling system, replacement windows, changes to natural and mechanical ventilation strategy, and replacement single-storey entrance and canopy and landscape modifications to the forecourt to improve the pedestrian and vehicular access.
Chadwick House was built in 1976 after the wartime Royal Ordnance factory at Risley was closed.
It became the headquarters of the newly formed United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA).
At the time it was regarded as the last word in modern office development.
Now it is described as being typical of 1970s office building – a six-storey flat-roofed, framed block with a courtyard arrangement.
The proposed works include the removal of the existing curtain wall to the north elevation, link and stairwells.
These will be replaced by new double-glazed ppc aluminium curtain walling systems.
Existing metal framed windows will be replaced with new, double-glazed ppc aluminium windows.
The main entrance will have a new canopy allowing natural light to filter through to the forecourt below. Artificial lighting will be integrated within the structure to ensure adequate lighting levels at all times of the day.
A new entrance structure is proposed to improve the visitor experience when entering what will remain an office building.
White glazed bricks are proposed to create a clean and modern aesthetic referencing the simple modern architecture of the building.
The proposals are now being considered by Warrington Borough Council planning officers.
