London Greenwich
Retail to Residential Conversion
Client Brief
DMP were instructed to advise a large property investment company on the potential of converting a former office space into residential apartments. The investment company have a history of updating and modernising buildings which form significant sections of high street locations in the Royal Borough of Greenwich. Upgrading these properties to a good standard and exposing the potential of the entire site portfolio.
The client had recently taken back the first and second floor levels from various tenants and recognised the space offered a much more substantial use for private residential accommodation in the popular high street.
Constructed in the mid-1950’s, a mid-terrace retail and residential property had single-glazed crittal style windows in steel curtain walling to the front elevation. A majority of the structure was of reinforced concrete frame whilst the rear part is of a more traditional masonry construction with timber roof make-up.
DMP attended site to undertake a full Measured Survey of the property. Allowing our Client to appreciate full extents of its possibilities and become aware of its historic layout.
Next, a Feasibility Study was prepared in order to ensure that all options for re-development were considered.
The property, situated within the Borough of Greenwich, had access to good transport links with London. Identifying with this ideal, meant that small first time units would be preferable within the existing building given the limited amenity space available. All options were under scrutiny to maximise the benefits to the user and client.
Once the most suitable layouts for the property had been agreed, a Lawful Development Certificate application was submitted for approval to the planning depart of the Royal Borough of Greenwich Council.
A separate Full-Planning application was also drawn up and submitted for façade enhancement works to the main principle elevation. The application also allowed for removal of the dated fenestration and upper parts. Installation of a lightweight system of extruded polystyrene backer, secured to aluminium sub frame was proposed. Brick slips would then be slotted into position and mortar added to give the building a more traditional look; keeping in with its surroundings.
New double-glazed aluminium windows to further enhance the elevation and provide plenty of natural daylight into the front apartments.
DMP Solution
All in all DMP developed a plan which created ten residential apartments over the upper parts of this property. The scheme made use of the internal structural elements including the main staircase which would minimise disruption to the retail units on the ground floor. We also utilised the existing window positions to the rear elevation.
DMP project managed the overall process with works commencing in December 2015. We administered a JCT Intermediate Contract and successfully handed over in July 2016. All ten were complete to high specification including hard wood floors, oak doors, full integrated appliances and Venetian blinds.
As part of our involvement, we liaised with the local council to obtain all necessary consent for new property addresses, sought quotations, administered and installed new utilities and associated meters.
Throughout, DMP provided monthly cost reports for the Client detailing contractor’s costs, professional fees and third party costs.
