After years as an eyesore on Strand Quay, work has finally begun on Grist Mill thanks to a local firm. RX Architects received planning permission for their new offices at the end of 2024 and building work has just started.
It’s a busy time for the company as the lead architects behind Martello’s plans for 140 new homes in Rye. Rob Pollard from RX Architects explains what’s happening at Grist Mill as the company looks to the future.
When did you first put in your application for planning for the Grist Mill site?
After submitting our planning application in June 2024, we were very pleased to end the year with planning being granted in November 2024. Since then, we have been busy working on the prestart information with contractors, suppliers, services companies and building control to work through all the various approvals needed before any work can start.
We have now nearly completed this, which is why recently some soft strip-out work has started in order to clear the building. Our aim is to start the build fully by early spring this year, with a view to completing the work in around six to seven months.
What are your plans?
The plans involve re-using the existing concrete frame, and re cladding it with insulated timber frame infill panels, and black stained timber cladding. The roof will be in a dark metal, with a new entrance canopy to the street side and storage space for bins and bikes. The elevation facing the river will be glazed as this will be our main open plan office space overlooking the river.
What will the internal features look like?
Internally we are aiming to keep a muted industrial look, with the concrete framework exposed internally and new polished concrete floor finishes. We are using an air source heat pump to heat the building, with solar panels on the roof.
This reusing materials, and using the existing structure fits well in your ethos, at RX Architects, doesn’t it?
Yes, it fits in well with our environmental ethos and utilising an insulated timber frame between the existing structure, natural stained cladding, solar and heat pumps is well aligned with our principles that we aim to achieve in our projects, as well as at our new office.
RX Architects has reached a significant milestone recently, can you explain a little more?
We are now a certified B Corporation. This is a significant milestone for our practice since we are one of the first twenty architects in the UK to achieve this status. When RX Architects started in 2016, we always intended to be a company that at its core has a desire to design and build in a more sustainable way. The project at the Grist Mill site fits well with this ethos and allows the transformation of a disused existing structure, bringing it back to life with a sustainable long-term future.
What does the future hold for the company?
As a practice, we are looking forward to the future of continuing to work in and around Rye, on exciting and innovative projects, and the Grist Mill will give us the ideal base to work from moving forward.
Image Credits: Kt bruce .
very pleased that the existing structure is being used within the new building, maybe more similar buildings could be re designed on a similar way, even for some low cost housing at prices that Rye residence can afford. No more Air B&B or high rented houses ,help the young to stay in Rye.
Good news indeed! The derelict structure has been an eyesore for years and the conversion using the existing framework is an excellent decision.
I’m so delighted I walk or drive past everyday!!
Good to see this being redeveloped at last.
At the gateway to Rye, it has been an eyesore for years.
Re using structural materials is ideal.