overview
Westgate One is the transformation of the former Barretts Jaguar and Land Rover dealership on Pound Lane into a high-quality student accommodation development in the heart of Canterbury.
Located adjacent to the Grade I listed Westgate Towers, the scheme sits within one of the city’s most sensitive historic settings. When OSG Architecture became involved, the project had already secured planning approval, the original scheme was designed by BDB Design LLP, but required a fundamental redesign to address buildability and viability challenges.
Project Details
Project Name
- Westgate One - Pound Lane
Location
- Canterbury
Client
- Paul Roberts & Associates
Project Value
- £21 Million
Completion details
- June 2025
Project Team
Contractor: Abbott Construction
Engineer: Considine
QS & PM: Betteridge & Milsom
RIBA Stages: 3-7
challenges
Delivering Westgate One required resolving a series of complex site constraints. The development occupies a tight urban plot with limited access, surrounded by historic fabric and neighbouring properties.
Construction was further complicated by the phased delivery of four blocks, with later stages progressing within an increasingly restricted site. The removal of underground fuel tanks, management of contaminated ground, and coordination of crane operations and logistics within the city centre all required careful planning and collaboration across the project team.
sustainable design elements
A fabric-first approach underpins the environmental strategy for the development. High levels of insulation and airtightness reduce energy demand, supported by fully electric systems, Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR), and photovoltaic panels to generate renewable energy on site.
The reuse of elements of the existing structure helped reduce embodied carbon, while the city-centre location encourages low-carbon living, allowing residents to access universities and amenities on foot.
sensitive design
Our revised design of the Freeman building has resulted in a more architecturally appeasing design for the historic prime city centre location.
Restoring this part of Pound Lane, continues the regeneration of the area, creating attractive streets that are sensitive to the context.
impact
Westgate One has transformed a constrained and underused brownfield site into a successful and well-integrated part of the city. The development provides much-needed student accommodation, helping to relieve pressure on traditional housing stock, while contributing positively to the local area.
The scheme creates a strong sense of place, combining sensitive heritage-led design with high-quality contemporary living. It stands as an example of how collaboration and design-led thinking can unlock complex sites and deliver lasting value for both clients and communities.
client testimonial
"We are extremely pleased with the completed development. Westgate One stands as a high-quality scheme that meets its commercial objectives while respecting its historic context. It has been a genuine pleasure working with OSG Architecture, and their contribution to the project has been significant." Jamie Hipgrave, Technical Director, Paul Roberts Canterbury