In need of a major refurbishment, the pub was at risk of closure due to the Covid 19 situation and the subsequent financial losses. However, with support from some of the original members of Iron Maiden: Paul Di’Anno, Doug Sampson, Barry Purkis and Terry Wapram, the pub was able to establish funding, as plans for the redevelopment of the building were finally put in place.
The plans include the construction of a new eight-storey apartment block featuring a mixture of 29 contemporary one, two, and three-bedroom dwellings to be located on the former car parking site at the rear of the pub, together with alterations to the existing pub building. JMS Engineers were appointed to provide a full civil and structural engineering design service to work closely with the main contractor and developer throughout the design and construction stages of the project.
The eight-storey apartment block was designed in RC, using flat slabs to reduce the overall building height and simplify construction. The project was increased in complexity by the Greater Anglia railway main line that sat at a lower level, and immediately adjacent to the site, requiring a reasoned and considered design to ensure the works did not have any detrimental effects to the busy main line. A CFA piled basement substructure was formed within a perimeter contiguous piled retaining wall, with strategically located sections comprising in-situ RC and PCC ‘L’ shaped retaining walls.
The alteration works to the existing pub building comprised strategic underpinning works to enlarge and deepen the basement, the reconfiguring of the superstructure to accommodate an alternative ground floor layout, and specific strengthening to support an additional storey to the existing building. JMS, with its sympathetic approach to architecture, worked with the client to ensure the preservation of the structure, with most of its existing details remaining in place.
Complete with band dressing rooms and a bar, the cellar has been turned into a live gig venue, which will preserve the legacy of the pub that will showcase local talent for years to come.
Mark Weston, Joint Managing Director for JMS Engineers, explains:
“This venue means so much to Iron Maiden fans from around the world, and the team certainly felt a responsibility to preserve the original structure and legacy of the building, while still meeting the needs of today’s audience.
“We pride ourselves in providing designs that are practical, and well thought out. It was a privilege working with the team and our friends at developers Maryland Developments Ltd, contractors, ibuild Ltd and pH+ Architects; all playing our part to deliver this redevelopment to London’s East End”.
The pub will be fully refurbished and brought back into use in Spring 2022
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