SDA Architecture has secured full planning permission for a new 24-apartment development directly adjacent to Aintree Racecourse and boasting views overlooking the world-renowned parade ring.

 

The development entails replacement of the existing two-storey building, currently operating as Aintree Tandoori, with a five-storey newbuild comprising a mix of generously sized one- and two-bedroom apartments situated above a secure under-croft residents’ car park.

 

In addition to its proximity to a sporting landmark of global significance, the 1,340m2 site presented several challenges which the now approved development has been successful in addressing.

 

It was especially important during the design process to ensure the Racecourse building and its cultural and heritage significance were not overshadowed in any way by the new development. SDA’s designs were therefore carefully composed to enable the five-storey building to sit comfortably within the site context while preserving the rightful prominence of the Racecourse buildings within the street scene.

 

Acting as Lead Architect on the scheme, SDA was able to ensure the proposal responded positively to the character, form, and local distinctiveness of the site’s immediate surroundings without undermining the operation of the Racecourse.

 

Running centrally through the site is a right of way known to Racecourse visitors and operatives as the ‘Sefton Arms Entrance’ – the second busiest Racecourse entrance during race days. The new building has been designed specifically to respond to the prominence of the site, providing a new focal point and framing the street scene for visitors and passers-by.

 

Meanwhile, internally, the upper floors have been aligned with the parade ring to maximise outlook for future residents.

 

This design will also preserve and enhance views of the Grandstand from Park Lane, while announcing the main entrance to passengers alighting from Aintree Rail Station, which is located directly opposite the new development.

 

The design by SDA Architecture incorporates a site-specific ‘accent’ detail to mask the under-croft car park while creating visual interest that ties the scheme into the area. The repeating pattern was influenced by jockey silks and represents the 40 entries that were registered to run in the 2020 Grand National.

 

Designed during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, the architects were equally keen to create a series of high-quality all-weather amenity spaces for the residents’ enjoyment. Generous onsite amenity space will be provided through a combination of external walled and internal courtyard gardens.

 

Barrie Rea, director at SDA Architecture, said: “It’s been a privilege for our team to bring forward these plans for a new development adjacent to perhaps the most famous racecourse in the world.

 

“Throughout this process, we’ve been committed to ensuring that this development not only respects but enhances the local surroundings. Our designs reflect the rich history of Aintree and the Grand National and are also sympathetic to what is required of new apartment developments in the wake of COVID-19.

 

“We’re thrilled that our planning application was approved by Sefton Council, and look forward to the next steps as this hugely exciting project moves closer to reality.”

 

The development opportunity has recently been acquired by Dragonboard to showcase their latest modern method of construction and it is the company’s ambition to build the 24 apartments to Net Zero Carbon efficiency.

 

Dragonboard Intelligent Panels, or DIPs, are a type of structurally insulated panel which will be used to construct the building envelope, offering excellent thermal performance, lightweight structural strength, and time- and cost-saving benefits over traditional construction methods.

 

The Magnesium Board that sandwiches the solid polyurethane core offers excellent fire-resistant qualities acquiring a 4-hour fire test. Additionally, the panels offer water-resistant qualities whilst the continuous rigid insulation provides a superior U-values rating, as low as 0.10 W/m²K.