History is restored

Occupying an important position at the heart of one of the nation's most historic military establishments, My HQ is one of the largest and most impressive buildings to be refurbished by Berkeley Homes at Royal Arsenal.

It was once the administrative hub of the Royal Arsenal army barracks but the My HQ building has now been carefully restored to provide a complex of highly individual one, two and three-bedroom apartments and two and three-bedroom penthouses.

The exterior brickwork, stone panels and architectural details have been cleaned and repaired and the windows have been replaced with sash designs in keeping with the traditional style.

The two main entrances to the My HQ building, which retain timber doors set in stone archways, have been enhanced by specially designed water features and box borders.

Set around an internal paved courtyard and overlooking Royal Arsenal's new park, the apartments offer open-plan and contemporary accommodation.

The duplexes have split-level living space with mezzanines and double-height ceilings.

The top floor penthouses enjoy the advantage of extensive glazing and roof terraces with scenic views of the development. The structure itself is an impressive mix of Neo- Georgian and Baroque architecture.

The building's history began in 1903. It was partially occupied by 1908 and completed in 1911.

The imposing three-storey office block once housed the Chief Superintendent and various departmental Superintendents of the Royal Arsenal corp. They occupied the first floor along with technical advisors from the armed services, the telephone exchange and drawing office. Personnel, pay and tax office staff and punch card and post room operators all worked on the ground floor.

The basement, initially utilised as storage space, was modified during the Second World War and used as an air raid shelter and canteen.

When it is launched next year, residents will be able to enjoy a cutting edge development with a wealth of history.