We worked with the Churches Conservation Trust (CCT) and PMP Consultants to bring new life to The Old Black Lion, a Grade II listed pub next to their restored Grade I listed church in Northampton city centre. This £3.5m project carefully balanced heritage conservation with modern functionality, creating a space that now serves as a pub, offices for the CCT, and a community events venue.
The Brief
The building had stood empty for many years, and the CCT’s vision was to restore its historic character while ensuring it could function as a vibrant, modern space. Alongside OMI Architects and with oversight from Heritage England, the design brief centred on preserving key architectural features, fireplaces, tiled floors, timber beams, brickwork, and lime plaster, while upgrading the building to meet the needs of today’s visitors and staff.
The Challenge
This project involved navigating a complex network of stakeholders, from conservation specialists like Heritage England to project managers, which required extensive sampling, testing, and approval processes before any work could progress. The challenge lay in combining sensitive restoration with modern building requirements: installing mechanical and electrical systems, integrating accessibility measures such as a lift, and ensuring the building could operate seamlessly as a pub, office, and events space, all without compromising its heritage value.
Our Solution
Our team delivered a carefully crafted scheme that respected the building’s history while enabling its future use. Key historic details were restored and highlighted, while modern interventions, including new services, a bespoke curved oak staircase, and accessibility features, were integrated with sensitivity. Bespoke joinery and interior finishes tied the scheme together, ensuring the Old Black Lion feels both authentic and functional. The result is a building that honours its heritage, supports the CCT’s mission, and provides the local community with a revitalised landmark venue.
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