Built Heritage: Former British Sugar HQ, Sugar Way, Peterborough
Client: British Sugar

Challenge

The 1970s building, which formed part of the wider former British Sugar headquarters was spot listed for its architectural and historic interest by Historic England in 2019.

Orion was instructed to review the listing documentation within the 28-day consultation period and to prepare a detailed statement of significance as part of a submission to delist the heritage asset.

Approach

Orion undertook a meticulous review of the building, including detailed fabric analysis and comparative analysis with other notable commerce buildings dating from the mid-late 20th century.

Orion’s statement of significance assessment established that the building did not warrant its listing designation due to its diminished nature. The rigorous assessment also established that the building was not considered to be of such pioneering technological merit in national terms nor as an early example of a commerce building typology.

Outcome

Orion’s built heritage expertise and thorough assessment resulted in the building being delisted by the Secretary of State in July 2019 and removed from the statutory list of listed buildings. This enabled the proposed and consented Lidl store and 74 dwellings to be constructed.