168 High St and Caffe Gondola

This Playle & Partners LLP project for Runnymede Borough Council was to convert an existing three storey mixed use building constructed in the 1980’s in the Conservation Area of Egham. The building front forms part of the local retail landscape. The ground floor was retained as a restaurant, rebranded and refurbished as an authentic wood-fired Pizzeria. The vacant upper floors once permitted for office use were converted into high end residential properties.

  • Client:
    Runnymede Borough Council
  • Services:
    Employer’s Agent, Architect, Principal Designer Contract Administration, Cost Consultancy
  • Value:
    £1,800,000

Services

Playle & Partners LLP worked on all stages of the project, first as architects through feasibility and planning, followed by novation under the Design & Build Contract working for the Contractor as Architect and Lead Designer.

Playle & Partners LLP were also project managers for the scheme, administering the contract and liaising with the relevant parties for lease matters. The team provided a full service for this project including acting as Principal DesignersQuantity Surveyors and Party Wall Surveyors.

The proposals for the scheme included the partial demolition of the ground and first floor to accommodate the new restaurant and residential spaces. The restaurant is a vibrant new space that boasts its high street location and contributes to the continued viability of the town. The interior of the restaurant is a contemporary interpretation of Venice, which the inspiration of Caffe Gondola is based. The restaurant is to be a vibrant new space that boasts its high street location and contributes to the continued viability. It is also hoped that the restaurant will improve the street scene of the local area. The interior of the restaurant is a contemporary interpretation of Venice, on which the inspiration of Caffe Gondola is based.

The most challenging aspect of the scheme was the coordination between the two different uses to create harmonious spaces; achieved through the contemporary design for both interiors and careful planning of routes through the site.

The lighting scheme within the flats has been carefully considered, as this is one aspect where Playle & Partners believe a design can be lifted with comparatively minimal cost. The internal fittings and fixtures such as the kitchens and bathrooms have also been designed to high standards with quality materials being used throughout.

  • Mixed Use Scheme
  • 1 nr. 1 bed and 2nr. 2 bed apartments created in converted office space
  • Partial demolition of ground floor with redesigned new restaurant space

This was a challenging project but the project team worked together well and achieved a positive outcome.”