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DLG COMPLETES TRANSFORMATION OF CALEYS IN WINDSOR WITH NEW HOTEL LAUNCH

DLG Architects has successfully completed the complex transformation of the famous Caleys department store in Windsor. The culmination of four years planning and development sees the recent launch of the new 120 bed Windsor Hotel giving the important Grade II listed buildings a new lease of life.

Located just 100 yards from Windsor Castle, Caleys is of huge regional significance having served the royal household since 1818, when it received the Royal Warrant from Queen Charlotte. The Royal tradition continued and Caleys was awarded two further warrants, one from Her Late Majesty the Queen Mother, held since 1948, and the other from Her Majesty the Queen, which was awarded in 1955.

Caleys was sold to Selfridges in 1910 and became part of their provincial stores group. In1940 Caleys was purchased by John Lewis, however the store maintained its prestigious name throughout.

The grade II listed buildings were closed in July 2006 because the building configuration was no longer practical for single store use. John Lewis sold the site in August 2006 to High Point Estates, a company well known for acquiring and transforming difficult sites.

High Point Estates consulted with DLG Architects who developed plans to transform the existing buildings on the site totalling 69,000 sq ft and add a further 50,000 sq ft of accommodation. DLG was selected for the project due to its experience in listed building refurbishment and conservation. The established practice is also no stranger to Windsor having completed the award winning restoration and revitalisation of Windsor Royal Station.

Andrew Richardson at DLG Architects comments, “Caleys has been a particularly challenging project for us given its strong local heritage, cultural interest and conservation area status. The site presented many restrictions but we were able to incorporate so much more usable space, including two new basement levels, by carefully planning right up to the site boundaries to the full satisfaction of conservation officers and commercial neighbours.”

The transformed space now also includes two new retail units currently operating as TK Maxx and Esquires and benefitting from frontage onto the high street at ground floor level. The Macdonald Winsdor Hotel totalling 85,000 sq ft is also accessed from the high street with the retained Gothic Cottages providing an entrance off Acre Passage. The informal connection between the High Street and Acre Passage is an important link and historical reference to Caleys.

Early trading figures for the retail operators are strong and the hotel has made a very promising start.

Andrew Richardson concludes: “This completion is testament to the experience and design attributes that our team has brought to bear on such a challenging redevelopment. It was essential that we were sympathetic to the building’s history and that we respected the surrounding areas to create synergy with the neighbouring buildings and local community.” Through extensive consultation with the Local Authority, The Windsor and Eton Society and English Heritage, DLG has designed a vibrant mixed use scheme which has revitalised a historic landmark in the town of Windsor and ensures that its legacy lives on.”