Campfield Mega Campus

Zerum secured planning and listed building consent for Upper and Lower Campfield with associated works at the adjacent Castlefield House. Building on Allied London’s Enterprise City Exchange, this prominent site will deliver a tech hub for media, digital and creative industries.

This complex development involved significant alterations to two Grade II listed former market halls to facilitate their transformation to state of the art workspaces. Refurbishment and restoration of the landmark buildings was a long-held policy aspiration of the Council.

Thanks to £17.5m of Levelling Up funding, Campfields will deliver a tech hub which will act as a catalyst for the media, digital and creative industries. It aims to create 1,600 jobs and to sustain 2,400 existing jobs over the next 15 years. The proposals include an ancillary bar/café/events space and a separate retail unit.

Installing additional floorspace into the envelope of the listed buildings, including state of the art recording studios, was a particular challenge in light of their essential characteristic of openness. This was achieved through mezzanines which were placed so as to retain the experience of the soaring roof structure. The insertion of windows into the iconic railed facades of Lower will create well-lit workspaces; bring activity to surrounding streets; and maintain the building’s character. Members of the public will be able to enjoy the space by making use of the atrium bar/cafe.

Imaginative public realm works were required to create a single unified campus which successfully incorporates the mid-century office block which currently divides the two halls.

Challenges included balancing the sensitive restoration of the historic buildings with the demands of the twenty-first century. Past temporary uses of the spaces had generated tension with adjacent residential neighbours, who were understandably concerned about how the structures would contain noise. Zerum facilitated meetings with local members and a consultation event for residents.

Funding meant that the project was subject to strict timeframes. Consents were granted and discharge of conditions is ongoing, facilitated through continued dialogue with officers.