Project
The Horlicks Factory
Berkeley Homes (Oxford & Chiltern) Ltd
Lichfields provided advice on the adaptive reuse and development of the Horlicks factory in Slough following its closure in 2017.
The Horlicks factory was built in three main phases in 1908, 1929 and 1939. Despite having been extended and altered many times over the past century, its key recognisable features have endured. The crenelated square clock tower with tourelles, the iconic red ‘Horlicks’ sign fixed above the parapet (albeit a modern replacement) and the 47 metre tall chimney.
Lichfields carried out a detailed listing assessment of the factory (a locally listed building) and the Horlicks War Memorial, engaging with Historic England, who endorsed our conclusion that only the War Memorial was of listable quality. The Memorial was consequently listed at Grade II.
Since 2018, we have provided design, heritage and planning advice to the new owners, Berkeley Homes Oxford & Chiltern, which has enabled them to realise their vision of converting and developing the factory for residential use whilst taking into account its heritage sensitivities. This involved advising on how the landscape masterplan could create an appropriate new setting for the listed War Memorial as well as how to preserve the main factory’s landmark status in Slough.
Lichfields previous involvement in the site and extensive knowledge of the planning background was invaluable when preparing the planning application. In addition, their expertise in both planning and heritage gave us an advantage when overcoming the complexities of the site including the restoration of the existing Horlicks Factory.
Caroline McHardy, Land and Development Director for Berkley Homes (Oxford & Chiltern) Ltd