Snape Maltings is a unique combination of architecture and landscape. The purposeful language of soft red brick walls, pitched slate, tiled roofs and painted iron and timber details complements the understated textures of the reedbeds, mudflats, wooded skylines and tidal river to create an unforgettable sense of place.
2008 sees major milestones undertaken at the Maltings with the regeneration and development of four acres of redundant red brick Victorian buildings.
The principle focus for the redevelopment at the Maltings is to offer a distinctive ‘Snape’ experience, which is relaxed and stylish. The developments will have a clear ‘sense of place’ with the imaginative conversion using original beams, salvaged Suffolk red bricks and light wells which allow natural light to flow from the big Suffolk skies.
On Friday 26th September the Maltings will unveil its expansion of House & Garden with an additional 7,000 sq ft utilising the redundant malting turning bays. At the heart of this project is the desire for us to ensure that all of the redundant buildings once again have purpose – and that they will continue to do so for generations to come.
The new House & Garden store will bring with it a distinctive style and on arrival shoppers will be drawn to an artisan delicatessen, with the sight of savory tarts, wholesome pork pies and the scent of freshly baked bread. The high quality selection of store cupboard goods and preserves and freshly ground coffee will continue and will welcome a cellar of established wines.
A sophisticated café open on the 19th September, lead by Chef Carl Goward formerly of St John, London and Bread & Wine London together with Stuart Oeztmann from Metfield Bakery. The Metfield Cafe will provide an all day brunch menu together with fresh light lunches with a glass of wine or scrumptious cakes for afternoon tea. From the all day café, diners will overlook the latest House & Garden collections in the distinct Snape setting.
Above left: The new roofscape
Above right: The main service trench
In late autumn Snape Maltings will be handing over the keys to the owners of the stunning new courtyard properties. This presents the first opportunity to own at home at the Maltings. The show home has opened on the frontage of the Maltings.
In early 2009, Aldeburgh Music will complete its creation of a musical creative campus with artists’ workspace and performance facilities which will occupy 15% of the derelict buildings. The Aldeburgh Music project is has achieved the highest funding by the Arts Council outside London.
The next phase is The Kilns, which will house the The Kilns Museum and The Kilns Workshop. This building nestles one of the oldest and best architectural examples of Maltings kilns in England. The Kilns will contribute to the historical significance of the entire complex and will explore the Maltings relationship with the once bustling port, the River Alde and the distinctive landscape. The Kilns re-development will include seven residential properties, which will fit seamlessly into the restored, listed building.
The development of Snape Maltings is being overseen and managed by its owner, Johnny Gooderham, who was born at the Maltings and has overseen its transition over the last 21 years. The Maltings was bought by George Gooderham in 1965 when the Maltings operation ceased.
The future chapters in the story of the Maltings are of great significance for the East of England and will ensure that Snape Maltings remains a truly special place.