Structure and Fabric Survey

The fundamental consideration is the condition of the existing building and how it currently performs against current regulations and how resilient it is for future uses.

• We assemble precisely the appropriate team of skills required to assess the building and provide a detailed report upon which decisions can be made.

Current Use and Future Needs Appraisal

Most older buildings were designed for specific purposes and living/working practices that have changed out of all recognition. Nevertheless many can be adapted utilising some or all of the existing and therefore saving the embedded carbon and retaining its place in the community.

• This is a critical element of our appraisal process. We look forensically at the needs of the organisation in order to produce a working plan for its future use and what may be required to meet those criteria.

Budget and Finance

There are many funding and financial considerations when choosing a route for regeneration, redevelopment or reuse.

• Our finance team will cover all funding routes and tax implications in both the public or private sectors

Option Appraisal

Once completed we present and discuss the options for the property or site taking into account the impact on the surrounding community and overall sense of place. Where there is an option for a Meanwhile use of the building or site we will provide evidence based options that offer both income stream and the ability to further assess the viability of some permanent options.

On commercial projects we include comparable sales evaluation, income approach and GDV.

Project Delivery

Once the options have been analysed and agreed and the project feasibility is established, there is the option of implementing all or part of the project using ReThinkingBuilding partner resources.

This option may be particularly appropriate where a joint venture is the preferred route.

All services are provided by experienced and fully qualified professional companies and practices. Services may be purely design focused or may extend to design and build.

Project Management

Throughout the project, the project manager acts as the liaison between stakeholders, providing regular updates, addressing concerns, and managing expectations. They oversee the implementation of sustainable operational and forward maintenance practices that will optimise the building’s performance and reduce its ecological footprint over the long term and play a pivotal role in integrating sustainable practices into every aspect of the project.

Planning

Our Planning consultants possess extensive knowledge of all relevant policies and regulations enabling them to ensure compliance whilst optimising sustainability goals.

Building Design

Our architects take into account the building or site’s existing ecological, cultural and historical significance before identifying strategies to minimise the project’s environmental footprint and employing sustainable design principles to create an integrated and efficient development plan. Designs will incorporate renewable energy systems and water management amongst other waste avoidance and management systems.

Their design will also focus on enhancing the project’s social sustainability with due consideration for creating community spaces that encourage interaction, accessibility and support biodiversity.

Construction

Construction companies are selected on the basis not only of their efficiency and cost management, but also on their policies and strategies to tackle their impact on the environment throughout their work. Their construction plan must include a proven approach to waste management, energy efficiency, water conservation and pollution, noise and air pollution and protection of natural habitats. Their ability to collaborate and effectively communicate with all stakeholders is paramount and they should provide opportunities for local community engagement and training opportunities.