Former Willans & Robinson Factory, East Block

The former Willans & Robinson Factory, specifically the East Block, was constructed in the 18th century as three long, low blocks. Originally flat-topped, they now have shallow gabled roofs concealed behind the parapets. The asymmetrical blocks are built in dark red local brick over an iron-framed structure. A repeating bay pattern contributes to the building’s coherence, featuring a window band above a doorway, with bays divided by raked buttresses and pronounced corner buttresses. The large iron-framed windows have small-pane glazing, supported by cast iron I-section lintels with vertical strengthening bars. Above the windows is a dentilled brick course containing ventilation holes. The doorways are mostly tall, centrally-placed, and have concrete lintels. A brick string course defines the lower level, and some lines of window sockets are visible, now infilled with concrete. The parapets, originally matching the scale of the buttresses to articulate the bay pattern, have been largely rebuilt. Original brick paving is preserved immediately in front of the building, where railway tracks were originally laid.

The East block is the least altered. Its bays exhibit three-window bands, and the parapets are original, with the addition of stepped brickwork in the middle of each bay. The left-hand bay's doorway has been filled with glazing to create a new entrance, while the window above has been infilled with brickwork. The central three bays have tall doorways with steel roller doors under concrete lintels. The right-hand bay has a small doorway with a dentilled brick lintel, now infilled with brick, with a later doorway added to the right.

The East and West sides retain their original parapets and lack added gables. On the West side, the right-hand bay features large corner buttresses and a three-window band above a small central doorway, now infilled with brickwork. To the left, the wall is set back and reveals at least seven bays with two-window bands, partially visible above added flat-roofed blocks. The East side is similar, with a prominent left bay featuring corner buttresses and a three-window band, beneath which is a central oculus, now bricked up, and a small inserted doorway to the right. To the right, the wall is slightly set back, exposing five bays containing two-window bands; a later range adjoins at the right end, with small flat-roofed blocks added in front.