Fred Roche

Frederick Lloyd Roche, CBE (11 March 1931 – 9 November 1992),[1] was a British architect, most known for his work in Milton Keynes during the 1970s, and for his company Conran Roche in the 1980s.

For the Australian cyclist, see Fred Roche (cyclist).

Frederick Lloyd Roche

CBE
Born(1931-03-11)11 March 1931
Died9 November 1992(1992-11-09) (aged 61)
Alma materRegent Street Polytechnic (now University of Westminster)
OccupationArchitect
Spouse(s)Valerie (second wife)
Children2 children (1st marriage)
1 daughter (2nd marriage)

He trained at Regent Street Polytehnic (now University of Westminster) and qualified in 1955. He remained in London for three years working as a housing architect but in 1958 moved to Coventry, where he became an architect specialising in schools. In 1963 he returned to housing when he became principal development architect for the Midlands Housing Consortium.[2]

In 1965 he became chief architect and planning officer for Runcorn new town, developing the master plan and where he hired James Stirling to develop designs for new housing.

In 1970 he moved to Milton Keynes in north Buckinghamshire, at that stage little more than a line on a map, to be General Manager of Milton Keynes Development Corporation at the young age of 39. He oversaw the major growth of the 'new city' through to 1981. Thereafter, he joined up with Terence Conran (of Habitat fame) to establish the new architecture and planning consultancy Conran Roche. The company developed a number of successful projects during the 1980s including Butler's Wharf and Michelin House in London. Ill health forced him to retire as managing director in 1988.

Awards and recognition

In 1985 Roche was appointed a CBE. He was a vice-president of the Royal Institute of British Architects from 1983–85 and honorary treasurer from 1985-86.

He is commemorated in Milton Keynes by having a linear civic garden named for him.[3]

References
  1. "Archive". Fred Roche Foundation. Archived from the original on 16 July 2014. Retrieved 26 July 2012.
  2. "Fred Roche". The Times. 25 November 1992. Retrieved 26 July 2012.
  3. Fred Roche Memorial Gardens officially unveiled – Milton Keynes Citizen, Friday 9 November 2012 16:04. See also Campbell Park.
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