George Cooper House, Oxford Street
Find out more about the transformation project at George Cooper House.
About George Cooper House
This project transformed what was an old office building, located off the London Road area, into much-needed new council homes.
It provides 10 new homes, 4 one-bedroom flats and 6 two-bedroom flats for the council to let as temporary accommodation.
The design includes roof-top PV solar panels and is the first to feed directly into the tenant’s flats to save them on their energy bills.
All flats have mechanical ventilation to ensure good air quality is circulated in the homes. The top and basement flats also benefit from an air-source heat pump. There are also 4 secure internal cycle spaces as part of the scheme.
Both ground floor flats are wheelchair accessible and have suitably adapted kitchens and bathrooms.
What's happening now
This project was completed in April 2022 and all flats have been let.
We received positive feedback about the new homes, especially about the communal and lobby areas, which were completed to a high standard.
Project history
This site was originally a Housing Office over 4 floors but was closed in 2015 due to health and safety reasons, as it had fallen into disrepair.
The original design was for 12 flats, 8 one bedroom and 4 two bedroom flats.
The use of the building was subject to several planning applications and design changes were amended and agreed before a budget was secured to convert the property into new homes.
Engagement and consultation
Residents and businesses were consulted on the change of use to the site and the proposals to make it into temporary accommodation housing in 2018.
The initial proposed designs were discussed at 2 drop-in exhibitions on The Level. Resident's comments helped develop the site and their concerns were taken on board. These included wanting more family sized accommodation. The scheme was changed from 12 flats to 10, giving more allowance for 2 bedroom flats.
Once a decision was made to go ahead with the plans, all local residents and businesses were informed.
