CHARTERED ARCHITECT . CHARTERED ARCHITECTURAL TECHNOLOGIST

EXTENSION & ALTERATIONS . CO-OPERATIVE FUNERALCARE, NUNEATON

When Co-operative Society Funeralcare determined that their existing premises had become too constrained and outdated, they identified a centrally located building in Nuneaton as a potential candidate for conversion into a hub to serve their satellite locations across Warwickshire. It was agreed that the scheme should respect and preserve the heritage of the original structure, and demolish the 1960s flat-roofed side extension. Two new extensions were proposed—one to accommodate a new entrance and another for vehicle parking—both designed with a sympathetic architectural approach that reflects the character and detailing of the original building.

The building, originally constructed in the early 1900s as a school, had since been adapted for various uses, and prior to this project, as a youth centre. The 1960s extension had partially obscured the former principal entrance. Although some stonework and a carved stone crest remained visible above the flat roof, the full extent of the original façade was not evident until the later demolition of the extension, at which point the required restoration works could be properly assessed.

Internally, the building was comprehensively reconfigured to provide new reception facilities, arrangement rooms, chapels of rest, a mortuary, and associated ancillary accommodation. Given the constraints of the site coverage, a substantial new lift was installed to the rear of the building to provide access to the upper floors and the mortuary.

During the strip-out phase, it was discovered that significant portions of the internal walls had deteriorated beyond repair. However, the carved stone crest above the original entrance was successfully retained, cleaned, and partially restored, along with the surrounding stonework. To address the condition of the damaged brickwork at ground floor level, we designed a new stone façade and arched feature to the side elevation. This intervention, as realised in the completed building, enhances the overall architectural composition and contributes positively to its aesthetic quality.

Main Contractor: Stepnell Ltd., Rugby

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