The Birchwood West Lancs Foyer

BTP were architects on a scheme to provide 24 new apartments in Skelmersdale for young vulnerable people and adults in the area.

Recently completed, The Birchwood West Lancs Foyer will provide much-needed short-stay homes for young people and adults with complex needs who are experiencing or are at risk of homelessness.

Residents will also benefit from professional support with health and wellbeing, alongside help to develop skills so they can get back into work and life skills to assist them when moving on to more permanent homes.

The project was delivered by BTP Architects, and Calico Homes, and was partially funded by Homes England. The Birchwood Centre, who provide a range of services for adults and young people, to prevent homelessness, reduce social isolation and improve mental health and well-being, will then take over the running of the building and services.  

Located in Birch Green, the new three storey facility has been built on a former carpark, with the land made available by West Lancashire Borough Council as part of their commitment to support communities where they need it most.

Although planning had been previously approved, the site had remained unused for several years and the design required redefining to ensure the new foyer building was fit for purpose.

BTP Architects carefully redesigned the scheme to provide a new contemporary elevation, including PV solar panels on the roof, to ensure the building would be low maintenance, energy efficient and sustainable.

Burnley-based Ring Stones Maintenance and Construction (part of the Calico Group) was the lead contractor on the project and completed the build ahead of schedule and within budget.

The ground floor of the Foyer will also provide a new headquarters for The Birchwood Centre, and will be used to provide support, training, and outreach work for residents as well as the wider community.