Century Buildings, Rochester (Formerly Woodhams Brewery) ⏐ Conversion ⏐ Conservation
Century Buildings involved the sensitive conservation and adaptive reuse of historic brewery structures in central Rochester, Kent. Originally part of the Woodhams Brewery, the site included elements from the 18th to early 20th centuries, including the brewery tower, maltings, and engine house. The project restored the historic streetscape, removed unsightly later additions, and preserved character-defining features such as iron industrial windows, original openings, and internal structural elements. Careful interventions, including timber sash windows and a modified tower entrance, were designed to complement the existing architecture without compromising its heritage value.
The development converted the former brewery into four luxury residential apartments while respecting its proximity to Restoration House, a Grade I-listed building and inspiration for Charles Dickens’ Great Expectations. The scheme maintained the building’s relationship with Victoria Street, retained key historic fabric, and addressed practical considerations including parking, refuse, drainage, and flood risk. By combining heritage-led conservation with adaptive reuse, the project revitalised a derelict industrial site and reinforced Rochester’s industrial and literary legacy.
