Arcon Village, Looking after a landmark

As we reflect on 20 years of managing Arcon Village, we’re incredibly proud of the role we’ve played in its ongoing story. Being the custodians of such a historically significant site isn’t just a job, it’s a privilege.

proud custodians for two decades

Over the past two decades, we’ve worked hand in hand with residents, conservation officers, and local craftspeople. Ensuring that the unique character of Arcon is not only protected but also celebrated. Whether it’s routine upkeep or larger restoration work, our approach has always balanced practical needs with a respect for the site’s heritage and long-term sustainability.

Over 20 years property management at Arcon Village, Horwich

Heritage, handled with care

Nestled in Horwich, Bolton, Arcon Village is more than just a place to live. It’s a unique blend of industrial heritage and modern living, with a strong sense of community.

Once a working bleach work, a key part of Horwich’s industrial identity, the site was sympathetically redeveloped around the year 2004. A combination of clever architectural restoration and sensitive new-build designs allowed the spirit of the site to remain. While original buildings were converted into homes, new properties were constructed to blend seamlessly with the old.

In 2005, we were entrusted with the management of the site by developer Redrow, and we are proud to continue serving its residents nearly 20 years later. What followed was a journey of stewardship, collaboration, and innovation that continues to this day.

Honouring the past, managing the present

Today, Arcon Village is a mixture of apartments and houses, many of which are conversions of original industrial buildings. The development is Grade II listed and lies within a Historic England conservation zone. Meaning many of the physical changes from paving stones to guttering can require planning approval and conservation oversight.

From day one, our team recognised the unique responsibility that comes with managing such a site, not only preserving its physical character but nurturing the community that lives there.

Managing heritage with care and creativity

Arcon Village has presented some complex challenges over the years, but also some rewarding problem-solving opportunities.

The ‘Witch’s Hats’

One of the most memorable projects involved the replacement of the development’s distinctive roof vents, known as “the witch’s hats.” After years of exposure, the metal vents had begun to rust. But with listed status, replacements couldn’t just be purchased, they had to be custom-fabricated to precisely match the originals.

The project involved removing the vents, commissioning a local fabricator to recreate them by hand, and craning them back onto the roof over two days.
Our team worked closely with the local conservation officer to ensure every detail, from shape to materials, was in full compliance.

It wasn’t just a repair job, it was a restoration project that required care and planning.

Future-proofing and preserving the guttering

Another challenge came in the form of the original wooden gutters. While authentic to the building’s age, they were high maintenance and would have required oiling, repainting, and repairing almost annually. Over time, this would place a heavy burden on service charges.

Instead of accepting that trade-off, the team found a local metalwork company capable of reproducing the original gutter profile in aluminium. The result:

Visual authenticity, maintaining the original look
Practical longevity, with minimal upkeep
Cost savings on maintenance over the next 10 years

The approval process took time and collaboration. The team submitted two full planning applications and worked with conservation officers. They even brought photographic evidence from nearby buildings to show how they would fit with the local surroundings. It took nearly 12 months to secure full permissions, but the results were worth it.

Heritage Painting with Precision and Care

As part of the maintenance, Kier Court building recently underwent a carefully planned repaint to refresh its appearance while preserving its architectural heritage. As a Grade II listed building within a conservation area, the work required careful consideration to respect the site’s historical significance.

Approval Process
Before any work could begin, the project team worked closely with the local planning authority to secure Listed Building Consent. This involved submitting detailed proposals specifying colour choices, paint types, and preparation methods to ensure they were in keeping with the building’s original character.

The scope of work included:

Surface preparation: Cleaning and priming exterior surfaces while protecting original architectural features.
Paint selection: Heritage-matched colours and finishes designed to complement the building’s period style. Support and advice was provided by Dulux with a follow-up visit, to ensure the quality of work for a historical site.
Execution: An experienced painting team from Globe-Northwest completed the work efficiently, with great attention to detail and minimal disruption to residents.

The refreshed paintwork at Kier Court has significantly enhanced its visual appeal while carefully maintaining its historic integrity.

A benchmark in heritage management

Throughout every challenge, one thing has remained consistent, a strong relationship with the residents.

Arcon Village is run by a resident management company, written into the lease. Directors, many of whom have been involved since the development’s early days, take pride in their home and are active partners in shaping its future.

How we help ensure the community stays clean, safe, and welcoming:

A caretaker visits the site each week to stay on top of minor repairs and routine upkeep. Helping to maintain a pleasant, well-managed environment for residents.

Transparent budgeting, forward-thinking planning, and responding to residents’ concerns quickly and respectfully.

Over the years, our relationship with the board has grown into a genuine partnership, shaped by mutual respect and a shared vision for the community.

Managing a listed site comes with its challenges, but at Arcon Village, history and progress work hand in hand. With careful planning and a deep respect for the site’s past, the village continues to thrive as a place where heritage is protected and residents feel at home.