Drone Surveys and Data Capture

We were appointed to deliver a comprehensive purchaser’s Technical Due Diligence (TDD) report for Anchor Retail Park, a rare and strategically located mixed-use asset in London’s East End. As one of the few remaining inner London retail parks, the site offers significant landholding and long-term potential for capital enhancement and alternative uses.

Our multidisciplinary team worked closely with the client, DTZ Investors, to understand their acquisition priorities and deliver a robust technical assessment under tight time constraints. The site comprises a terrace of three-unit retail warehouses and a terrace of eleven four-bedroom houses.

Technical Due Diligence delivery

We undertook a full suite of Technical Due Diligence services, coordinating across disciplines to ensure a seamless and efficient delivery. In line with the client’s requirements, our Building Surveying, Mechanical & Electrical, and ESG teams produced detailed technical reports, including:

• Building Fabric and M&E Building Survey Reports
• Reinstatement Cost Assessment
• Level 5 EPC Assessment
• Peer review of a Phase 2 Environmental report
• NZC Audit with Decarbonisation Pathway

To ensure full regulatory and safety compliance, we also consulted our in house fire engineering specialists, who reviewed the site’s fire strategy and provided expert input to support the client’s risk profile.

Challenges and solutions

One of the key challenges was the complexity of the site, which included both commercial and residential elements.
Operating under tight acquisition deadlines, we mobilised quickly and delivered all services within the required timeframe. Our ability to coordinate multiple disciplines as well as specialist external consultants – while maintaining quality and rigour – was critical to the success of the project.

Another challenge was ensuring comprehensive environmental and fire safety assurance. Our team addressed this by conducting a peer review of the existing Phase 2 Environmental report and engaging fire engineering specialists to validate compliance and identify any risks.

Opportunities and outcomes

Anchor Retail Park represented a rare opportunity to acquire a substantial landholding in inner London, with strong existing use value and significant potential for future redevelopment or repositioning.

Our reporting provided the client with a clear understanding of the site’s current condition, regulatory standing, and long term potential. This enabled informed decision-making and supported a confident acquisition strategy.
By delivering a thorough and integrated due diligence package, we helped de-risk the transaction and position the client to unlock the full value of this unique asset.

To learn more about how we can help on your next retail project get in touch with Kevin Howes.

We combined innovation and sustainability to deliver an advanced PV project for a client in Kent. In order to achieve this, we harnessed the power of cutting-edge drone survey technology and created a precise 3D model. This model played a vital role in conducting accurate shading analyses and financial assessments. Part of our role also involved environmental stewardship, which meant preserving the existing trees was a top priority. The drone survey we conducted not only allowed us to meet this requirement, but also provided a comprehensive understanding of the job’s environmental impact.

Implementing the 3D model was essential to our financial analysis as it ensured our PV project not only meets environmental standards, but also stands as a financially sound investment.  

This project provided the opportunity for us to put innovation into action, with the use of drone technology and sustainability seamlessly intertwined. Through combining data-driven insights with renewable energy solutions, we’re setting a new standard for responsible development.

Solar power has become a key technology for reaching our climate targets. It presents an excellent occasion for collaborative work that helps reduce carbon footprints. This development is a testament to the possibilities available when sustainability and innovation converge. We look forward to contributing to a greener future and exploring new frontiers in renewable energy for our clients. 

We were appointed by our client, Wirefox, to undertake the refurbishment of ‘The Leddie’ – formerly ‘The Ducks Inn’ – a boutique hotel based in Aberlady, along the East Lothian Coast in Scotland.

We provided full a Technical Due Diligence service at acquisition stage for our client, Wirefox, which later evolved into Full Cost Management and Principal Designer Services as the project progressed.

The project included the refurbishment of an existing 1800’s hotel and a cottage at the back. As significant alterations were carried out, we encountered some challenges.

Due to the age of the building, the management of unforeseen risks was key and fire strategy compliance was essential. Upgrading the existing statutory connections was also required to ensure enough supply was available to complete the works.

The building is located in a conservation area, so, it was crucial that the building and surrounding areas were treated with the upmost respect. We also ensured to maintain a close working relationship with the Architect and Planning Consultant, to ensure that design proposals were carefully considered, and the correct materials were selected to meet the budget.

We are pleased we have met Wirefox’s brief to upgrade the building, while ensuring the hotel is a safe and comfortable space for their guests.

Hollis was appointed as BREEAM Assessors and Project Managers for the comprehensive refurbishment of Unit 17 at Premier Park, Park Royal, for our client SEGRO. The project was driven by a focus on sustainability and ESG goals, with the objective of delivering a highly energy-efficient industrial space.

We oversaw the entire process, ensuring that the building met the stringent environmental standards required to achieve an “Outstanding” rating under the BREEAM Refurbishment and Fit Out (RFO) scheme. This made the building one of only 25 projects in the UK to secure this prestigious rating on a final certificate. SEGRO have three of the properties on that list which demonstrates their dedication to sustainability.

Key features:

• Rooftop Photovoltaic Array: A 313.2 kWp solar photovoltaic (PV) system was installed on the roof, contributing to a significant reduction in the building’s carbon footprint. This system saves over 52 tonnes of CO2 annually (the equivalent of planting 2,419 trees each year).
• Rainwater Harvesting System: A rainwater harvesting system with a 10,000L capacity was installed to capture and recycle rainwater. Along with low water-use fittings this reduces water consumption by over 65%, ensuring that the building operates with maximum water efficiency.
• Biodiversity Enhancement: The project also focused on enhancing the biodiversity of the site. Existing trees and shrubs were retained, and additional planting was added around the new seating area. Green roofs were incorporated on bike and bin stores, which also included bird and bug boxes to promote local wildlife.
• Energy Efficiency and Lighting: Energy-efficient LED lighting was installed throughout the building. Additionally, an air source heat pump (ASHP) with heat recovery was implemented to manage energy consumption effectively, contributing to the building’s achievement of an EPC A+ rating.
• Building Management System (BMS) and HVAC: A state-of-the-art BMS was installed, integrated with a Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) system. This system monitors and manages the building’s heating, cooling, ventilation, and energy use, ensuring maximum efficiency. The BMS also tracks the performance of the PV system, EV chargers, and rainwater harvesting, providing a comprehensive view of the building’s sustainability measures.

Cycle Facilities and Outdoor Space: To support sustainable commuting, bike storage facilities were provided along with showers and changing areas for staff. Along with a landscaped outdoor space and sheltered break-out area.

We were proud to achieve a BREEAM “Outstanding” rating, this is a rare accomplishment in the UK. The success of this outcome was driven by SEGRO’s clear sustainability vision, our comprehensive project management team, an experienced contractor capable of delivering to BREEAM standards, and our BREEAM assessors, involved from the project’s early stages.

The Unit 17 refurbishment was completed on time and within budget, delivering an ESG-compliant, highly sustainable industrial facility. By incorporating a range of advanced environmental features, including a rooftop solar PV system, rainwater harvesting, and biodiversity enhancements, the building not only achieved but exceeded its sustainability goals which our client was thrilled about.

We also streamline processes by creating bespoke deliverables such as measured surveys, inventories, schedules of condition and methods to help improve EPC rating.

Through strategic project management and close collaboration with all stakeholders, Hollis ensured the project’s success, leaving SEGRO with a high-performing asset that reaches the highest benchmark for sustainable industrial refurbishments in the UK.

A long-term partnership across nine years 
We were appointed by DWS through the entire lifecycle of two major office buildings in Cardiff, beginning with Technical Due Diligence for the acquisition in 2016 and culminating in their successful disposal in 2025. Over this nine-year period, Hollis delivered a wide range of services, all under one roof, demonstrating the value of a fully integrated consultancy approach.

Strategic support from acquisition to exit 
Our involvement began with technical due diligence during the acquisition phase. From there, we provided ongoing consultancy throughout the client’s ownership, including:

• Dilapidations and lease strategy: Settled a dilapidations claim on Building 4 to enable a short-term lease renewal. We then managed a complex strip-out project across three floors to support a rates mitigation strategy, working closely with the client’s ratings surveyor while maintaining tenant occupation on two floors.
• ESG and sustainability: Delivered EPCs and improvement reports, advised on MEES compliance and strategy, and prepared ESG due diligence reports for the vendor packs.
• Technical and operational services: Provided MEP engineering, vertical transportation consultancy, planned maintenance reviews, health and safety audits, measured surveys, and drone data capture.
• Tenant alterations: Provided technical advice in respect of tenant alterations and fit outs.   
• Planned Maintenance: Prepared a PPM for building 3. This allowed the client to get an understanding of the maintenance requirements over a 10-year period and set service charge budgets.  
   

A seamless disposal process 
In early 2025, we prepared comprehensive vendor TDD packs to support the sale of both buildings. The properties were successfully sold in October, marking the end of a strategic and collaborative journey.

Challenges and opportunities  
One of the most significant challenges was managing the strip-out of three floors in Building 4 while a tenant remained in occupation on two other floors. This required careful planning to maintain health and safety standards and minimise disruption. Shared M&E services added complexity, demanding precise coordination to avoid service interruptions.

The strip-out formed part of a rates mitigation strategy, which meant close collaboration with the client’s rating surveyor was essential. We worked proactively to ensure the scope and execution of the works met the client’s objectives for reducing rates liability on the vacated floors, while maintaining compliance and operational continuity for the occupied areas.

A showcase of multidisciplinary, in-house expertise 
This project exemplifies how Hollis can support clients across every stage of the property lifecycle. From acquisition to disposal, all services were delivered in-house, ensuring consistency, efficiency, and strategic alignment throughout.

We were appointed to complete a drone roof survey of an industrial site to capture the current state of the roof and identify any repair issues.

Using our drone cameras we captured detailed imagery to create a 3D model using photogrammetry. The site has a particularly complex roof, and so the ability to provide imagery of its entirety is being used to help identify problems, and to ensure that all stakeholders understand the current state of the roof, and the context in which repairs are to be made.

Whilst investigating an initial cladding panel failure, our team identified a series of wider issues affecting the roof, façade, fire safety provisions and MEP systems. Through detailed technical analysis, we established the underlying root causes and developed a clear remediation strategy, subsequently procuring the required works on behalf of our client.

We provided comprehensive advice on cladding defects, roof leaks, fire safety compliance and mechanical and electrical engineering concerns, and oversaw a substantial programme of remedial works to ensure each issue was fully resolved and the building could be safely returned to use. In parallel, we supported the client on related asset management matters, including reviewing the adequacy of the Building Manuals and advising on an appropriate planned preventative maintenance strategy to safeguard the building’s long-term performance.

The Unity Building in Liverpool is a mixed-use real estate development comprising a residential tower alongside a separate but connected commercial office tower. The 27-storey residential element includes approximately 161–162 private apartments, predominantly two- and three-bedroom duplexes, supported by amenities such as a 24-hour concierge, a residents’ gym and secure underground parking.

Appointed by Freehold Managers PLC, Hollis acted as Lead Consultant, Project Manager and Cost Manager as part of our Building and Fire Safety service, on 27-storey Unity Building façade remediation of the residential tower, having been appointed following eligibility approval from DLUHC, to lead the technical design and procurement for this complex project.