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81 Colmore Row1809

Reuse and repurposing

Transforming and reimagining existing buildings and brownfield sites to create new, sustainable spaces

Reimagining existing sites and buildings to inspire and shape future generations

We specialise in unlocking opportunities, transforming underutilised spaces into vibrant, sustainable and purposeful areas – revitalising forgotten corners of our communities where brownfield sites and existing buildings await a new lease of life.

Our expertise in architecture and building consultancy uniquely positions us to lead the reimagining and repurposing of these sites across the UK. Our approach is rooted in the understanding that each site and structure holds a distinctive set of opportunities and challenges.

We understand that no two projects are the same, we craft solutions that are as unique as the sites themselves, ensuring a bespoke fit for the people who use the spaces, the community and the surroundings.

We recognise the critical importance of compliance with the Building Safety Act in the transformation of existing buildings. We lead best practice in the design, detailing, specification, and management of ‘higher risk building’ projects. Our dedicated team focuses solely on providing comprehensive support for all our clients, leveraging their specialist competencies across our services on any type of project.

‘Buildings that exist today will make up around two thirds of global stock by 2040’

We breathe new life into disused sites and spaces

Transforming existing disused sites, we create new spaces that meet requirements now and into the future. From adaptive reuse to complete renovations, our designs are bespoke, responsive and innovative. We assess each project individually, considering environmental, structural and historical aspects. We conduct surveys and inspections, identifying any contamination issues on a brownfield site, historical building constraints or necessary repairs. Our expertise ensures a solid foundation for future development.

We focus on community regeneration that is fit-for-purpose

We approach every project as unique, tailoring to meet the demands of communities, while fostering a sense of belonging and pride with residents and businesses. We not only consider the physical transformation, but also the benefits to local economies and wellbeing. Repurposing once ‘dormant’ sites can act as a catalyst to wider regeneration, creating new jobs, homes and community spaces to accommodate the changing ways we live, work and play.

We understand our impact and the legacy we leave

Committed to sustainability and building resilience against future environmental challenges, we advocate for repurposing. We understand the requirements of transforming and maintaining brownfield sites and existing buildings of all ages and sizes to create a lasting legacy. This enables us to not only make a positive contribution in the fight against climate change, but also helps to achieve wider social and economic sustainability.

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Using technology to overcome challenges and use change

Our consultancy and survey teams worked together to convert the convention centre back to its original use, after serving as the Nightingale Hospital during COVID-19. We used Matterport (Rapid Capture) and laser scanning to facilitate a remote design process, while complying with pandemic imposed restrictions. This supported the Council’s ambitions to attract and retain local businesses.

Learn more about the Harrogate Convention Centre

Repurposing a vacant and disused retail space

Our adaptive reuse of a vacant Debenhams store, which had fallen into disrepair after Debenhams went into administration, has given this space a new purpose ensuring its significance for generations to come. Otherwise likely to be demolished, the space will be repurposed to create a new cinema, food and beverage and leisure facilities. It is the first phase in wider regeneration of the local area.

Learn more about Debenhams Lichfield

Detailed surveys to inform a programme of refurbishment

Our geomatics team worked with the University of Edinburgh to undertake surveys for prominent category A and category B listed buildings. We carried out scan to BIM surveys, laser scanning, captured topographical data, created a 3D topographical model, and extracted 2D AutoCAD elevations and floorplans from the 3D model. The surveys informed a programme of sensitive refurbishment and retrofit, supporting a series of departmental relocations and reorganisations.

Learn more about our work with the University of Edinburgh

Repurposing an office building in a prime location

A Grade II listed office building with a 1980s extension was underused in a prime business location. Our architectural and interior design team refurbished the building to meet 21st century employee needs with more lettable floorspace, improved accessibility and modern amenities. Our team also worked closely with sub-consultants to restore the facade and bring it back to its former glory.

Learn more about the Chatwin Building

Considerate reuse delivering an inclusive education setting

We refurbished the Grade ll listed former Hackney Police Station to create a new Muslim faith primary school. We retained the existing windows and used a limited material palette, including brick and cedar to create clarity and composition with the surrounding context. The Muslim Faith Primary School provides the London borough with a new educational space, where pupils feel welcomed, valued and important.

Learn more about Olive School

Reimaging the commercial space of a 1843 building

This 1843 Grade II listed commercial building has undergone several adaptations over the years. We assessed the current building and how it could be better used to meet modern market demands. We will refurbish the disused space to create nine boutique apartments, supporting the local economy by bringing more residents into the Leeds city centre conservation area.

Sensitively refurbishing a Grade II* listed building

The Italianate Gothic, Grade II* Listed building has had multiple uses over the decades, however, has remained empty in recent years, leading to its slow deterioration. We provided conservation and heritage services to deliver sensitive fabric repairs, restoring it back to their former beauty and ensuring it's maintained for future generations.

Learn more about the Estate Buildings

Subway station refurbishment on a live site

Strathclyde Partnership for Transport undertook a review of their rail network and appointed us to update 11 subway stations. Our refurbishment involved reconfiguring the internal layout on a live site to promote a better passenger experience. We worked closely with stakeholders to replace and renew all systems in the stations.

Learn more about the Subway Station Refurbishments

1900s college building transformed into independent living

The construction of Radbrook Hall was completed in 1900 and acted as a technical college for many years until the sale of the site in 2014. Our masterplan retains key historical buildings, including Radbrook Hall, which has been transformed into 15 independent living apartments. Our refurbishment preserves the Victorian gothic architecture and well-known local red brick.

Learn more about Radbrook Village
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Repurposing a brownfield site

Taking a disused industrial site, in the Old Kent Road regeneration area, Glengall Road will be a major mixed use scheme. It will provide flexible workspace and 181 new residential apartments, whilst retaining the existing industrial chimney and warehouse front.

We revised an existing consented scheme, revisiting and rationalising elevations, apartment and commercial space layouts, core strategy. To welcome residents and visitors into the building we created an internal street. We also reviewed the fire strategy, making appropriate changes to the horizontal and vertical circulation routes.

In rationalising the layout and apartment designs, residents are treated to views of the historic feature chimney throughout private and communal spaces. Our design ensures improved living experiences, whilst remaining Part M compliant.

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Creative, expansive reuse of former Leeds Building Society Headquarters

We have repurposed the culturally significant 1930s building to create Leeds Maths School, a new post-16 school, in the heart of the city.

Respecting the historical importance of the building, we retained the facade, preserving the elevation, height and scale to sit seamlessly alongside nearby listed buildings in the city conservation area.

Our design carefully considers both the original history of the building and its significant past of many refurbishments and remodels, including a 1950s and 1960s extension. We have reinstated uniformity across the front, with new curtain walling mimicking the pattern of the windows. Internally, natural daylight and a direct connection to the outdoors flows through the education spaces, utilising as much as of the existing plan as possible.

The change of use of a prominent and visual important building on the corner of the Headrow and Albion Street has enabled it to be brought back into beneficial use. Delivering a new educational offering that provides opportunities for young people in Leeds and the wider city region.”

Leeds City Council Planning Officer

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Proactive preservation of Grade II listed Cruciform Building

As part of the University College London’s maintenance plans for their estate, we are providing building consultancy, conservation and geomatic consultancy services on their Grade II listed Cruciform Building.

Our team carried out a full detailed survey of the roof, eliminating the risk of damage to the building. This has then informed our conservation plan to carry out the sensitive repair works and the process for Listed Building Consent.

We can help transform your existing site or building

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From adaptive reuse to complete renovations, our designs are bespoke, responsive and innovative.

Find out how we can help you