Client: McCarthy Stone
Sector: Residential
Location: Royston
Ward: North Herts Council
Status: Planning
On Architecture has been appointed to redevelop the former Morrisons site at the corner of Baldock Street and Prince’s Mews, delivering 32 high-quality Retirement Living apartments in the heart of Royston. Just 100 metres from the High Street and within easy reach of shops, healthcare, and transport links, the development offers a highly accessible, well-connected setting tailored to older residents. The design draws on the rich architectural character of the Royston Conservation Area, ensuring a sensitive and sympathetic addition to this prominent town-centre site.
The scheme includes a carefully proportioned 2.5-storey building with a traditional material palette of stock brick, slate roofing, and render, alongside landscaped communal gardens designed to enhance wellbeing and biodiversity. Active frontages, detailed elevations, and considered massing ensure strong integration with the surrounding streetscape, while sustainable design features — including high-performance materials, accessible layouts, and biodiversity net gain initiatives — support a future-focused, inclusive living environment.
This thoughtfully planned development offers a valuable opportunity to bring new life to an underused site, meeting local demand for retirement housing while contributing positively to Royston’s historic fabric and community landscape.
