Welland Quarter, Market Harborough

The Welland Quarter development is transforming the former Harborough Rubber Company site at the corner of St Mary’s Road and Kettering Road into over 80 one- and two-bedroom apartments. Named Millstone Court, the scheme combines new-build three- to five-storey apartment blocks with the sensitive conversion of a historic former flour mill, creating a vibrant residential community in Market Harborough.

The site presented several significant challenges. Previously occupied by the Harborough Rubber Company and used as a building materials compound, the site was sunken, requiring extensive remediation before construction could safely proceed. This added complexity to the foundation design and overall site preparation. In addition, the site is flanked by the River Welland and the River Jordan, creating an elevated flood risk. The combination of a sunken site and proximity to two rivers meant that surface water management and flood mitigation were critical considerations, influencing both planning approvals and the design of drainage and structural systems.

Farrow Walsh oversaw the landfilling of the sunken void and designed an augured pile foundation solution to provide long-term structural stability. The hot-rolled steel frame superstructure was supported by a composite deck floor, allowing efficient construction and flexibility for apartment layouts.

Surface water drainage was carefully designed to address flood risk from the surrounding rivers, while the team provided planning support including flood risk assessment and traffic and transportation advice. By integrating foundation, superstructure and drainage design, Farrow Walsh ensured the safe and sustainable redevelopment of this complex riverside site.