Friday Photo: Former Brandauer Works

Today’s Friday photo is the former Brandauer Works in New John Street. This grade II listed factory was home to Brandauer & Co, a presswork and stampings company that specialised in pen nibs. The main building was built c. 1850’s , and then extended c.1870, 1887 and 1898 as the company became ever more successful. Brandaeur & Co exhibited their wares at the Great Exhibition in London and throughout Victoria’s reign built up their reputation and products (by 1890 they  had 400 different designs in their catalogue!). The company stayed at the site until 2000, when they then moved to a new building nearby.   The factory has since laid dormant and was even damaged by fire in 2010. It’s now gaining a lease of life, as it is currently being renovated to make student accommodation.  Glancy Nicholls Architects has designed the regeneration project on behalf of applicant Uncles Properties.  The plan is for the existing factory building to house 93 studios while the extensions is to house a further 52 studios and 141 bedrooms in shared flats.