Pressworks, Northwood Street

Key Features

The Pressworks project involved the sensitive redevelopment of a former industrial site within the Jewellery Quarter Conservation Area.

Works included the refurbishment and structural stabilisation of a Grade II listed building, retaining original brick façades, industrial proportions, and key heritage features.

New residential blocks were constructed to deliver 48 apartments, including one- and two-bedroom units, duplex apartments, and mews-style homes. A Light Gauge Steel Frame system was adopted to reduce structural loading and respond to the constrained footprint.

The scheme also included self-supporting brick façades, landscaped courtyards, and the retention of original industrial artefacts to reinforce placemaking.

Challenges and Solutions

Delivery within a dense city-centre conservation setting.

Restricted access and limited laydown space requiring detailed logistics planning.

Implementation of a just-in-time delivery strategy to manage space constraints.

Construction of new structures around retained historic fabric, requiring detailed surveys and tolerance control.

Structural stabilisation of a Grade II listed building while maintaining heritage integrity.

Coordination between heritage consultants, structural engineers, and construction teams from early stages.

Adoption of Light Gauge Steel Frame to reduce load on existing foundations and improve erection speed.

Original contractor entered administration, requiring rapid mobilisation and takeover.

Client Comments

“Etec successfully delivered a high-quality project in particularly challenging circumstances. From the outset, the team demonstrated strong leadership, effective governance, and clear control of programme, quality and risk. They mobilised quickly, communicated openly and consistently, and provided confidence at every stage of delivery. Etec showed a strong ability to manage complexity on a constrained and problematic site, applying a considered and well-structured approach to achieve a successful outcome. The team were professional, well organised and collaborative throughout, and I would not hesitate to recommend Etec for projects of a similar nature.”

Paul Flannery, Senior Director ‑ Property Development
United Trust Bank