Architects to revisit first ever job 25 years on

Matthew Montague Architects has been commissioned by the University of Derby to prepare a scheme to refurbish one of its buildings.

Situated in Lodge Lane, the four-storey Lonsdale House building is currently home to the university’s Institute for Innovation in Sustainable Engineering.

But it will not be the first time the architects practice has worked on the building.

Back in 1998, when Matthew Montague established the business, a substantial extension and refurbishment of the then head office of Lonsdale Travel was the practice’s first commercial job.

It has been 25 years since that project – and this year the business is celebrating 25 years in business.

Matthew said: “It’s such a coincidence that this year we are being asked to refurbish Lonsdale House, as 2023 marks our 25th year in business and this was the first major commercial commission for the practice.”

In 1998, the renovation programme included significant external extensions and associated internal refurbishments; it was then that the rotunda was added to the building.

Matthew said: “The A6 is one the main arteries into the city, so we wanted to build something that would become a landmark building but also retained the traditional, heritage mill elements.”

These renovations were completed in 1999 and were awarded the George Larkin Award for ‘Recognition of a significant improvement to the city of Derby’s environment’.

The latest renovation project aims to create exemplar facilities for business and scientific functions.

The business functions require cutting edge technology, smart space planning, with adaptable conference and meeting spaces plus a flexible hot desk area.

The science and research facilities require laboratories, workshops, preparation areas and offices.

Secondly, the refurbishment will streamline and integrate business and research departments and teams in a more coordinated fashion.

Lastly, the building will serve as a showcase of the facilities and specialist knowledge of the university to stakeholders and other business industry professionals.

The overall project also includes a number of measures to improve the building’s environmental credentials.