Adaptive Reuse In Action: Breathing New Life into Preston’s Historic Windmill
In the heart of Preston, a bold architectural project is underway: the adaptive reuse of a Grade II listed historic windmill on Craggs Row in Plungington. This HPA-appointed renovation, commissioned by Simca Investments Ltd, is a compelling case study in transforming a logistically challenging site – Preston’s only surviving windmill and one of the few remaining examples of its type nationwide – into a vibrant residential space.
A Towering Challenge
Originally built in 1760, the windmill’s cylindrical form and multi-level structure posed immediate spatial and regulatory hurdles. With varying floor levels, the design team had to navigate vertical circulation, fire strategy, and daylighting constraints across six floors. The existing masonry walls required internal insulation, and many window openings had to be reconfigured or structurally altered to meet building regulations and conservation standards.
Designing for Reuse: Respecting the Past, Enabling the Future
The architectural response gives the derelict, abandoned, fire-damaged building a new light. The design retains the windmill’s iconic silhouette while introducing modern interventions such as:
- Ventum Dynamics wind turbine for sustainable energy.
- Frameless glass balustrades and anthracite aluminium parapets for a clean, contemporary finish.
- Flexible internal layouts with compact bedrooms and shared living spaces, tailored to the building’s curved geometry.
Navigating Logistics
The site’s urban location and limited access routes demanded careful planning. Ongoing dialogue was required between the client and design team to resolve issues such as stair clearance, service enclosures, and accurate window sizing. The project also had to align with conservation officer feedback and planning conditions.
Collaboration and Coordination
The project’s success hinges on close coordination between architects, structural engineers, and the local planning authority, involving a meticulous approach to version control and stakeholder communication. Currently under consideration by to the local planning authority, the project moves one step closer to fruition with ambition to complete the renovation by summer 2026.
Adaptive Reuse as a Model for Urban Regeneration
The windmill renovation exemplifies how adaptive reuse can unlock the potential of heritage assets, even in the most constrained settings. By blending conservation sensitivity with modern design and sustainable technologies, the Windmill renovation sets a precedent for future urban regeneration projects and provides much-needed housing in Lancashire.
