23-25 Canberra Road, Gretna

23-25 Canberra Road, Gretna

A row of three brick-built two-storey double-villa blocks designed by Raymond Unwin with C M Crickmer as site architect, built in 1916-17. The blocks are arranged symmetrically and linked by low wings, though the buildings have undergone some alterations.

The central block features two inner doors with octagonal outer lights at ground level. The flanking ranges have round-headed doorways set in stepped reveals contained in shallow projecting full-height bays. The block nearest the south end is pebble-dashed and fitted with modern glazing. All blocks are constructed in red brick with brick band courses and hexagonal window openings as decorative features. The buildings have brick stacks and slate roofs.

These houses form a significant part of the streetscape of Gretna, the planned town built in 1916-18 to house workers for the nearby munitions factory. The factory stretched for 9 miles along the banks of the Solway and produced Cordite explosives during the First World War. Gretna was designed along Garden City principles with green spaces surrounding the houses, a wide central street with shops and community facilities, and curving streets. The township also included several churches, a dance hall, a school and a cinema. The gently curving aspect to the street is a key factor in the town planning. Each house is set back from the pavement with a private garden.

Many of the original small-pane timber sash and case windows and doors have been replaced with various modern materials and glazing patterns. The original glazing is visible in early photographs of the town.

After the First World War, the factory was dismantled and only a few remnants remain. The category was changed from Grade B to Grade C in 2012.