Huyton Shopfronts Knowsley, Merseyside

Knowsley Council employed Architectural Emporium to transform Huyton Village by rejuvenating existing shop fronts. First, we produced a vision for the wider shopping precinct with plans for new buildings and landscape interventions, before focussing on individual shop fronts within existing urban blocks. Phase 1 involved the refurbishment of 5 shops within the ownership of the council. The council had acquired the shops to use as a ‘test’ for the impact of upgrading shop fronts and its effect on the town centre as a whole. It has proved hugely successful and has led to the programme being rolled out along the rest of the high street. Phase 2 involved the conversion of another block of 6 shop fronts. Phase 3 comprised a further three shops. The nature of the building block and original typology led to an approach which promoted small independent shops and more diverse usage with a focus on introducng some evening use to populate the centre. Architectural Emporium developed individual schemes for each block, which respected the fundamental elements of each building but created a big enough impact to promote change in the rest of the area. The chosen design uses a mix of contemporary and traditional interventions to create a timeless feel that can appeal to the whole community. Architectural Emporium continue to work closely with Knowsley Council to incrementally improve Derby Rd.