Several specific challenges were addressed through the design process, and these included.

• A drop in site level of nearly 3 metres from the back of the car park towards the front, which after levelling off ensured that a new car park deck would not be any higher than the existing ground level at its rear - in a location closest to the neighbouring residential properties.

• Other adjacent residential properties that have views onto the store and proposed service yard had their concerns addressed through the production of computer model images that demonstrated the design creates no disruption to the views from their homes.

• The site was located inside the town’s conservation area and adjacent to several listed buildings.

• Access to car parking for the neighbouring job centre needed to be maintained off the service yard route.

To obtain planning permission within a conservation area we worked closely with the local planning authority and their design officer. The design team ensured that the building would fit in with the surrounding buildings and contribute positively to the local community. Retaining existing boundary landscaping and stone walls also assisted with mitigating visual impact on the existing character of the location.

The design team conducted a thorough site analysis and developed a detailed brief in collaboration with the client, the planning authority and Waitrose – as the intended occupant. We also consulted with local stakeholders including a social club group, who originally objected to losing their facility but welcomed the proposals when alternative premises were provided for them.

The design of the new Waitrose supermarket was inspired by both modern architecture and the traditional architecture of Wells, which features local Bath and Dalston stone buildings. We used this as a reference point and created a low-lying horizontal pavilion feel to the scheme to create a contemporary look, delivering a building that has a strong street presence, a clear entrance for customers and a sympathetic response to the conservation area. The building design includes a new car park deck adjacent to the store to provide both the council’s town centre parking requirement and that of Waitrose.

The building was constructed using a carefully selected palette of materials that sympathetically reflect the store’s location. A local Dalston stone cladding was constructed around the store front, with lightweight insulated metal cladding used to the side and rear elevations.  A fully glazed shop front provides an active frontage to the street. The design team used materials that would help to reduce the environmental impact of the building, such as high-performance glazing and insulation.

A new sensitive landscape design ensures that the supermarket produces a positive impact on the local community, providing a modern and sustainable shopping experience for customers and all visitors to the historic city. The building has become a landmark in the area and has helped to boost the local economy.

The client was incredibly pleased with the result, and customers responded positively to the new store. They appreciate the design of the building and its integration into the town, which has helped to create a more pleasant and varied shopping experience in Wells for both local residents and tourists visiting the famous historic city.

Ian Blake designed Waitrose, Wells whilst at Sutton Griffin Architects