Lewes Cooperative Stores

Mathew Crawford Architects were privileged to be commissioned for this fantastic project. It involved the sensitive restoration and conversion of the Grade II Listed former Cooperative Stores in Lewes.

A Landmark in the heart of Lewes

Located within the Lewes Conservation Area, this historic building was originally designed by Denman and Matthews Architects in the early 20th century. Commissioned by the Cooperative Society, it opened in 1906 as a purpose-built store, featuring a grocery on the ground floor and a haberdashery above. At the rear, a dedicated hall served as a venue for employee gatherings and events.

The building narrowly escaped destruction during World War II, surviving two nearby bombings to the south and east. While the main structure remained intact, the shopfront underwent various alterations over the years. In the 1970s, one of its most distinctive features—the concave roof above the clock tower—was truncated.

In 1980, the property was acquired by Wallis and Wallis Auctioneers and, in the same year, was designated a Grade II listed building by Historic England in recognition of its architectural and historical significance. It continued to operate as an auction house until 2024.

The brief

The Covid-19 pandemic, combined with the broader decline of the traditional high street, led to the closure of in-person auctions at this historic Lewes site. As one of just two custodians of this cherished local landmark, the building’s owner was committed to safeguarding its future.

We supported the client in developing a thoughtful proposal that balances preservation with progress. The plan includes the sensitive conversion of part of the building into five high-quality residential apartments, while retaining a commercial unit at street level—ensuring an active and vibrant frontage on West Street.

Honouring the Building’s Heritage

We approached this project with deep respect for the building’s historic character. Interior layouts were carefully planned to minimise impact on architecturally sensitive areas. Wherever possible, original features—such as vaulted ceilings and timber paneling—were preserved and thoughtfully highlighted to celebrate the building’s rich heritage.

A similar approach was taken externally. The front of the building, including all of the windows, were retained. The stunted concave roof was reinstated. To the sides and rear, where there was less historical importance, we took the opportunity to increase the thermal performance of the building and replace the windows with new heritage steel framed windows.

What did our client say?

“Matthew has been incredible throughout the whole process of design, inspiration and insight into what our Edwardian building actually needed and requires to keep it to its original design outside but totally transformed inside. Also, he’s delt with the planning process from start to finish, meetings with the relevant planning authorities and hoops you have to go through over a number of months to see the project through its conclusion. He’s taken away all that extra stress and some work that would be on my shoulders at a time in life when things have been somewhat difficult for me and my family. If you have a large project like mine or small, I suggest he’s your first point of contact.”