Commercial to Residential Conversion
Sector
- Residential
Contract Value Undisclosed
Location Wilmslow, Manchester
Services
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.
