Mascalls Stable Block Conversion, Essex

Preserving character, creating workspace

A Grade II-listed Victorian stable block transformed into a modern workplace for a world-leading sports business, blending heritage conservation with practical adaptation.

Set within the grounds of Mascalls, a Georgian-Victorian country estate near Brentwood, the former stable block had fallen into disrepair, but offered an ideal opportunity for reuse. LBY Architects were appointed by Matchroom Sport to sensitively convert the building into a new headquarters space for the company’s growing boxing promotion team.

The result is a characterful, highly functional workspace that preserves key elements of the original building while supporting the needs of a fast-paced modern business.

Interior view of a hallway of Mascalls Stable Block with grey carpet, white walls, and windows on the left side. Framed pictures lean against the wall, a silver trophy on display. An open door leads to another room with a window.

A Heritage Asset, Reimagined

Matchroom Sport, founded by charismatic promoter Barry Hearn, is one of the world’s leading sports promotion companies, with a particular focus on boxing and snooker. As the business outgrew its original offices in the main house, the adjacent Victorian stable block was chosen for expansion.

Though Grade II-listed and structurally compromised, the building retained a number of original features, including:

  • Red brickwork and a slate roof

  • Cast-iron stable fittings and feed baskets inside

  • A herringbone-patterned brick floor worn smooth by decades of hooves

Subtle Interventions, Strong Results

The conversion retained as much of the original structure and detail as possible, while introducing discreet architectural moves to create a light, efficient office environment:

  • Blind brick arches at the front were carefully opened up and fully glazed

  • The double-height central hayloft was adapted into a dramatic new boardroom, complete with new stair and rooflights

  • Open-plan linear workspaces were established on either side of the entrance

  • A new raised floor floats above the original uneven brick surface, preserving its form while creating a level surface for office use

LBY worked closely with the local authority’s conservation team to ensure that original elements, including the cast-iron hay baskets, were preserved and integrated wherever possible.

Outside the main entrance to Mascalls Stable Block with large arched windows and doors, set against a backdrop of trees and a blue sky with some clouds.
A view looking at an angle to the front of the main Mascalls Stable Block brick building with large arched windows and a black roof, surrounded by trees, with a parking lot in front.
The Mascalls Stable Block brick building showing the dark grey slate roofs, large black framed windows, and surrounding greenery, viewed from above.
  • Hallway with arched windows, framed pictures leaning against wall, trophies, and a wooden door leading to another room with a window and chair.
  • Interior view of a building lobby or reception area with a staircase on the left, ceiling lights, and an open door leading to another room with a person sitting at a desk.
  • Modern conference room with a long table, two people working on laptops, large wall-mounted TV, gray and white decor, ceiling lights, and open door leading to hallway.
  • Interior hallway of a building with gray and white walls, black door, framed pictures, a decorative silver trophy, and a black metal railing.
  • Office with multiple workstations, desktop computers, and office chairs, next to a staircase with a wooden handrail, white brick accent wall, and large windows letting in natural light.
  • Office meeting room with people working at a long white table, using laptops and wearing headphones, with gray walls, ceiling lights, and a door in the background.

The details

PROJECT OVERVIEW

Client:Matchroom Sport
Location: Brentwood, Essex
Completion: 2019
Building Type: Commercial / Historic Conversion
Contractor: Elliston, Steady & Hawes
Value: Confidential

Photographs: Morley von Sternberg

APPROACH & INFLUENCE

Project Type: Heritage workplace adaptation

Design Approach: Conservation-led design, discreet modern insertion, light-touch transformation

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