Royal Oak

Retention and refurbishment of grade 2 listed historical pub and its four storey residential extension.

Nanda Group Investment has discovered a captivating parcel of land graced by the presence of the historic local pub known as ‘The Royal Oak.’ This charming establishment, located at 17 Woodman Street, carries with it a rich heritage dating back to at least 1872 as a Truman’s Brewery pub. The Truman’s tiled signage, a testament to its past history, still graces the premises, standing as a timeless relic.

Despite the challenges posed by the bombings of the Second World War, which led to the unfortunate loss of its upper floors, but  amazingly, it carried on as a single storey pub, later it found itself enveloped by the evolving landscape of redevelopment, maintaining its distinctive character amid modern transformations.

My involvement commenced at the project’s inception in RIBA Stage 0. Through close collaboration with both the client and the planning department, a harmonious synergy was cultivated to ensure optimal outcomes. Our shared focus encompassed honoring historical significance, embracing the local community, and progressively enhancing and preserving the existing while improving the potential of the site.

Throughout this process, paramount importance was assigned to the tenets of Historic Preservation. The meticulous restoration of the pub was meticulously executed to safeguard its historical essence and distinctive attributes.

The interior space has been skillfully optimized and thoughtfully arranged to unlock the inherent potential spanning from the lower ground floor to the ground floor, extending seamlessly through the newly added three residential levels.

Regrettably, the chapter of ‘The Royal Oak’ drew to a close in the late stages of 2010 or the early months of 2011. Its legacy, however, lives on, leaving an indelible mark on the narrative of this location. As we contemplate the future of this site, the echoes of its past offer inspiration for what could be, beckoning for a new era of architectural possibility.