Revitalizing a City Icon

Norwich’s Westlegate Tower, a prominent landmark in the medieval city center, underwent a remarkable transformation led by 5th Studio. The redevelopment project, completed in 2013, revitalized the tower and its surroundings, turning it into a mixed-use site while preserving its historical significance.

Tower Transformation

Originally constructed in the 1960s, the tower underwent a significant makeover, including the addition of three new storeys to the existing 11-storey structure. This enhancement, dubbed the ‘crown,’ provided space for 17 residential apartments, each occupying a single floor plate and offering breathtaking 360-degree views of the city.

Preserving History

Despite facing controversy and calls for demolition, the tower’s historical significance was recognized and preserved. Once hailed as “a pencil of light,” symbolizing the city’s modernity, the tower fell into disuse before its redevelopment. However, 5th Studio’s vision aimed to honor its past while adapting it for contemporary use.

Creative Reimagination

Rather than demolishing the tower, 5th Studio proposed a creative reimagination that respected Norwich’s architectural heritage. The goal was to enhance urban connectivity and integrate the tower seamlessly into its surroundings, which included a diverse range of landscapes and historic buildings.

Architectural Coherence

The redesigned tower’s facade was carefully crafted to provide coherence and elegance, utilizing patterns and materials that respond to its role as a city-scale landmark. Despite budget constraints, innovative cladding solutions were employed, resulting in a dynamic exterior that interacts with changing light conditions.

Urban Integration

The project extended beyond the tower itself, encompassing the renovation of adjacent buildings and the creation of new public spaces. By reinstating the lost Lion & Castle Yard as a public thoroughfare, the project reconnected Westlegate and Timberhill, contributing to the historic fabric of Norwich’s city center.

Conclusion

The redevelopment of Westlegate Tower stands as a testament to the successful integration of modern architecture with historical context. Through innovative design and urban planning, 5th Studio has transformed a once-neglected landmark into a vibrant hub within the heart of Norwich.