Cottages, Primrose Hill and Central Road, Port Sunlight

In August 1905 W H Lever approached Bradshaw Gass and Hope inviting John B Gass to visit Port Sunlight to see the houses already built and to discuss the possibility of him preparing plans for a block which it was proposed to commence in 1906. Bradshaw and Gass accepted the commission, and by October 1905 had prepared preliminary coloured design drawings.

The triangular site at the junction of Central Road and Primrose hill included thirteen two storey cottages 2-14 Central Road (even) and 11-21 Primrose Hill (odd), according to the original plan. The main elevations to the streets were of red Cheshire brick with buff terra-cotta surrounds to doors and windows. Gables and chimneys include simple patterns of terra-cotta blocks. Roofs are in green Westmorland slate with flat roof porches. At the rear the elevational treatment was much simplified. However, the treatment of the junction between the two blocks was subject to especial attention. The first designs featured a square brick upper storey with a parapet of diaper brickwork and a weather vane. As the design developed this corner tower was replaced by a half-timber gable in oak as shown in the presentation perspective by Roger Oldham prepared for W H Lever’s approval in March 1906. These were to be the only cottages designed by Bradshaw and Gass at Port Sunlight although they would later work for W H Lever elsewhere.

The cottages have subsequently been converted into flats with entrances to the ground floor flats formed at the rear. (1 to 13, consecutive, Lancaster Close). The date of conversion is unknown.

Reference     Bolton Archives and Local Studies Service ZBGH/211 1905-1907 Lever Brothers: erection of cottages at junction of Central Road and Primrose Hill, Port Sunlight
Reference    Jane and Timothy Lingard: Bradshaw Gass and Hope 1862-1962. page 88-91