Simon Kaufman Architects is pleased to announce that planning approval has been secured for a new one-bedroom residential unit above Hopscotch Sweet Shop, located at 88 High Street, Barnet. The site lies within the Wood Street Conservation Area, one of North London's most characterful heritage zones.
This sensitive, design-led infill project delivers a high-quality urban living space while preserving the historic character of the existing Victorian streetscape. Designed in close collaboration with the shop's long-term owners, the scheme makes strategic use of underutilised space above high street commercial units—a key priority for both housing provision and town centre regeneration.
The proposed new home has been tailored to the specific brief of the Hopscotch proprietors, who are committed to continuing their much-loved independent sweet shop while contributing to sustainable residential development in the heart of Barnet.
Employing a lightweight construction methodology, the design allows the new dwelling to be structurally supported by the existing foundations and party walls, with only minor internal strengthening. This approach minimises embodied carbon and disruption, offering a cost-effective and environmentally conscious alternative to full demolition and rebuild.
Simon Kaufman Architects worked proactively with the London Borough of Barnet planning and heritage officers to ensure the proposal aligns with local conservation policies. The revised shopfront design includes context-sensitive detailing and heritage-appropriate signage, demonstrating a careful balance between modern use and architectural heritage.
A spokesperson for Hopscotch commented:
“We're thrilled to see this project move forward. Getting more people living above shops like ours will help support the high street and contribute to local housing needs.”
At Simon Kaufman Architects, we bring the same level of expertise, precision, and architectural rigour to small-scale residential infill developments as we do to larger mixed-use and regeneration projects. This approval exemplifies how thoughtful, context-aware architecture can help revitalise high streets, create sustainable homes, and support independent businesses across London and beyond.
By actively contributing to these initiatives, Simon Kaufman Architects is working hard to ensure that our expertise benefits not just our clients, but our friends and neighbourhoods too. We're firm believers that well-designed spaces can foster a stronger sense of community, and we're committed to playing a major part in making that happen.
This project was recently featured by the Barnet Society in their article "Changing face of Barnet town centre with refurbishment of historic premises and creation of flats above High Street shops", highlighting the positive impact of high-quality architectural interventions on the evolution of Barnet's historic town centre
