
Refurbishment of Unit M, Arena Design Centre
Planning Consultation Summary
Finding a way to refurbish warehouse units that are in need of repair is key to securing warehouse life for the future.
The aim of this refurbishment is to maintain the character of the unit, while adding elements that improve various problems reported by residents. Examples of common complaints include access to natural light, units freezing in winter and over heating in summer. Also elements like more green space, sustainable drainage and water collection.
Design
Externally the footprint of Unit M will remain unchanged, the current overhanging roof will be straightened up and extended by 1m (see pic below). The terrace will be updated, a new render added to the walls and a green roof (plants/vegetation) added to the sub station. Internally, the walls will be insulated, new windows added and the space will be re-configured (from 10 rooms to 9).
Consultation
Following discussions with residents, a slightly different process of consultation was undertaken. A Warehouse Representative shared the design plans with residents in Arena, and a meeting with the Units directly facing Unit M was held. The plans were also shared in the September Meet Up and questions / concerns were noted.
A letter was sent to all neighbouring residents on Ashfield Road, Oakdale Road, Beechfield Road, part of Hermitage Road.
Planning Application / Construction
Prior to a contractor being appointed, the plans for Unit M are submitted to Haringey Council. Once planning has been granted a professional contractor will be appointed. The contractor will have a set of conditions they need to adhere to, these will be outlined in a Construction Management Plan (CMP) and will include additional consultation with neighbouring residents around things like construction methods, hours of operation, noise controls etc.
Themes from the Consultation
Design
The concerns raised about the proposed design mainly centred around impact on daylight / sunlight, perceived changes to the physical footprint and concerns about overpopulating the area.
A full daylight / sunlight survey was conducted by Charted Surveyors Waldrams Limited. This survey confirmed that there will be no impact to light (see pic below). There are no changes to the footprint and the room ratio is being reduced from 10 to 9 bedrooms.
Construction Period
Most concerns related to the potential disruption caused during construction.
A professional contractor will be appointed, once planning is granted. They will have a strict set of conditions they need to adhere to and they will all be outlined in a Construction Management Plan. Neighbouring residents will be consulted during this period – expected to start around February 2022.
A question of whether compensation could be offered was raised.
As this is not the norm, the planning team feel it is only something that would be considered if the contractor fails on its obligations according to the Construction Management Plan.
Operation of the Unit
Some residents asked if the previous tenants of Unit M could move back in and what the rent will be.
Affordability is a priority. The rent will be higher than previously offered, more in line with rents across other Provewell Warehouses. This reflects the improvements and the reduction in rooms. Provewell have agreed to offer the previous tenants first refusal.
Supporting Imagery

EXISTING EXTERIOR HEIGHT

PLANNED EXTERIOR HEIGHT

EXISTING SHADOW – Analysis by Waldrams Ltd

PLANNED SHADOW – Analysis by Waldrams Ltd

PLANNED EXTERNAL ALTERATIONS

PLANNED INTERNAL ARRANGEMENT