Sector: Residential
Commercial to Residential Conversion
Sector
- Residential
Contract Value Undisclosed
Location Wilmslow, Manchester
Services
-
Development
-
Management
-
Building Consultancy
We were appointed as Project Managers and Contract Administrators to oversee the comprehensive conversion of an existing office building into 10 high-quality residential apartments in Wilmslow. The primary driver for the project was to maximise the client’s asset value by repurposing the vacant commercial space into a modern residential scheme.
The project involved a complex structural sequence, including the demolition of the original upper floors and the installation of a new structural frame. This new frame was uniquely designed to utilise the existing building’s structural walls and foundations, reducing the need for extensive underpinning works while completely transforming the building’s profile.
An important requirement of the brief was to maintain the uninterrupted operation of the ground-floor retailers throughout the project. To facilitate this while ensuring site safety, we implemented a robust logistical strategy:
- Access and Protection: Front and rear scaffolding were utilised to facilitate the construction of new external walls and the installation of a complex roofing system featuring both flat and pitched sections with new dormers.
- Live Environment Management: Precise coordination was required to manage deliveries and construction activity in a busy town-centre environment without compromising the commercial viability or safety of the active ground-floor businesses.
The redevelopment was delivered in full compliance with the latest Building Regulations, with a particular focus on the stringent requirements of residential conversion:
- Enhanced Performance: The fabric was upgraded to meet modern standards for acoustic separation, fire safety, and thermal performance.
- Utility Services: We managed the installation of entirely new water and electricity infrastructure, including the coordination of individual metering for each dwelling to support the building’s new use.
Through a traditional procurement route, the client maintained close control over the quality of the finish and the technical integration of the new structural elements. The project was completed successfully, delivering a future-proofed residential asset while protecting the ongoing operations of the existing commercial tenants.
Team Lead
Cladding Upgrade
Sector
- Residential
- Retail
Contract Value £600,000
Location Cheadle, Manchester
Services
-
Development
-
Management
-
Building Consultancy
We were appointed to act as Project Manager to oversee and deliver the assessment and potential need to replace the rainscreen cladding on a mixed-use commercial and residential building in Cheadle, Manchester. Following the intrusive inspection of the external walls, the Fire Engineer concluded the building was a low fire risk, needing no remedial works and provided an EWS1 B1. Our client, however, wished to future-proof their asset and improve the fire rating to an EWS1 A1.
A Design and Build procurement route was selected owing to a lack of As-Built information from the original construction. We advised the client to use an experienced Principal Contractor appointed under a PCSA to complete the initial design work. With the outline design completed, the project was then competitively tendered under a JCT Design and Build Building Contract. Following the selection of the preferred contractor, the design was completed, working alongside the Principal Designer Building Regulations advisor and Building Control.
Special access and protection were needed due to the building being occupied and flanked by a busy car park and high street. During the stripping of the old cladding, several areas of unknown external fabric defects were discovered, which needed rectification and, later, additional access issues were overcome to install the fire barriers.
The building achieved an EWS1 A1 rating and the future safety and value of this prime asset was secured for decades to come.
Team Lead