The Montebello, Ilfracombe
The site is the location of the former Montebello Hotel, which as destroyed by fire in 2006. Since then this prominent site in the town has remained derelict and an eyesore.
The vision is to unlock the potential of the site and build a landmark mixed-use apartment building that will enhance and repair the frontage along Fore Street. The development aspires to create a new destination along the historic route from Fore Street to the harbour.
The development is not just about creating homes and retail space but also aims to create something sustainable for Ilfracombe both at a community and at an environmental level.
- Affordable Housing: A proportion of apartments to be designated affordable for local community members.
- Accessibility and Inclusivity: All homes to be designed to Lifetime Homes standards
- Sustainable Design: Build using sustainable design and Passive House construction utilising Passive House to create low energy, low environmental impact and community sensitive apartment living.
- Character: The new development will be contemporary whilst drawing on the character of the existing and previous buildings.
- Public Realm: The new development will aim to be a destination and a dynamic part of Fore Street. There will be a mix of private a public areas to create a lively space with an active street frontage.
The proposed building will be 5 storey comprising of retail at ground floor and 1 and 2 bed flats above.There is parking to the rear of the site there are 6 parking spaces, above the arking there are a further 24 ats, that are linked to the main building along Fore Street at first floor level.
The design of the the building will be influenced by the character of the conservation area, the site constraints and the local context. The new building elevation has a vertical rhythm, which is in keeping with the pattern of fenestration on Fore Street. The use of projecting windows/balconies could also reflect architectural features in the Conservation Area.
The plan has been developed to have circulation access for the flats to the rear of the building, this ensures that the frontage facing is Fore Street is active. There is a central staircore that provides access to the flats. The retail space at ground floor level provides an active street frontage. The first floor will project beyond the ground floor on Fore Street creating a usable external space in front of the retail units, that can take advantage of the views to Capstone and also to the harbour.
It will be designed and constructed to the highest quality with a focus on fabric first construction in accordance with Passivhouse principles.
