MEP Engineering

Hollis was appointed to provide a coordinated suite of technical and commercial reports to support the marketing and sale of Peterhouse Technology Park, a multi-building logistics and industrial asset in Cambridge.

The instruction covered a total of 139,281 sq ft across four industrial buildings, together with a car park plan, and required a set of assignable vendor reports that would stand up to purchaser scrutiny and help maintain momentum through the transaction process.

At the heart of the commission was the delivery of Measured Surveys and Area Referencing, providing independently verified floor areas and clear, consistent measurement data to underpin valuation and reduce the risk of challenge during due diligence. Accurate area information was critical to supporting the asset’s marketing strategy and ensuring confidence for agents, purchasers and funders alike.

Alongside this, Hollis delivered a comprehensive package of supporting technical reports, including building surveys, vertical transportation, M&E engineering and a Phase 1 Environmental assessment, supplemented by ESG and sustainability advice. Bringing these services together enabled a joined-up view of the asset’s condition, performance and compliance, rather than a series of siloed reports.

Our integrated approach meant surveyors and engineers worked collaboratively, sharing site inspections and data where appropriate. This reduced duplication, improved consistency across reports and enabled potential issues to be identified and addressed early, helping to avoid delays later in the transaction.

The result was a clear, robust and market-ready vendor pack that supported LaSalle Investment Management in presenting the asset with confidence. By providing assignable reports and reliable area data from the outset, the instruction helped streamline the sales process, minimise risk for all parties and support informed decision-making throughout the disposal.

This project demonstrates how accurate Measured Surveys and Area Referencing, combined with coordinated technical and ESG advice, can play a pivotal role in protecting value and enabling smooth, efficient transactions in the logistics and industrial sector.

We successfully delivered a beautiful new office for Taylor Wessing in Liverpool, project managing a Cat B office fit-out that has achieved a BREEAM ‘Excellent’ rating for sustainability. We also provided pre-lease due diligence, M&E engineering and ESG consultancy advice as well acting as CDM Principal Designer.

Keen for a presence in the North, international law firm Taylor Wessing chose Edward Pavilion, a Grade I Listed building in a UNESCO World Heritage site at Liverpool’s Royal Albert Dock, as its new home in this vibrant and flourishing city.

Delivering this project on the top floor of a Grade I Listed former warehouse building for a client with incredibly high standards during a global pandemic was a huge challenge. We overcame technical concerns around acoustics and natural light, along with the constraints brought about by the listed status of the building: the method of any new fixings into the existing structure, for example, had to be pre-approved by the conservation officer, which required careful time management and forward-planning.

With other works being undertaken simultaneously elsewhere in the building, ensuring full compliance with CDM regulations and other health and safety legislation was paramount – particularly in terms of creating a COVID-secure environment without adversely affecting the programme or budget from any reductions in manpower.

The decision to target a BREEAM ‘Excellent’ sustainability rating for the fit-out was made after the commencement of the project, so we worked quickly to adapt the design and specifications of fabric and mechanical and electrical elements to deliver the performance required. By drawing on advice from our in-house M&E experts and working in true partnership, the project team was able to deliver the changes required, all whilst keeping the project on programme and budget.

Innovations in design came from the unique use of photographic portraits around the space in the form of impactful, full-height images laser-printed onto acoustic insulating canvases, which was related to the client’s sponsorship. The layout and flow of the space were based on the principles of navigating an art gallery, so while the space works functionally, users also have a ‘journey of discovery’ as they travel through the environment.

With varying work spaces, including formal desks, meetings booths, casual meeting areas and spaces for quiet work, the new office provides a flexible and agile working environment for the Taylor Wessing team, who can choose to work in the best way for them. In addition, break out areas have provided an environment which is much more conducive to collaboration and the flexible future of office working.

This project was Winner of 'Fit-out/Refurbishment of the Year' at Insider Liverpool City Region Property Awards 2021 & BCO Awards 2022.

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 acted as designer and project manager for the refurbishment of the 21,284sq ft warehouse space for SEGRO, at 160 Edinburgh Avenue. The client’s ambition was to transform the 34 year old unit into a state-of-the-art, environmentally sustainable industrial and warehouse space, targeting BREEAM ‘Excellent’ and EPC ‘A+’ standards.

Rather than demolishing and rebuilding, the unit underwent extensive refurbishment incorporating a variety of sustainability initiatives designed to vastly reduce the embodied carbon footprint over a comparative new build. The result is a building that, to the naked eye, looks as pristine as a new build.

The most distinctive feature on this project is the living green wall on the warehouse’s exterior; providing not only an aesthetically pleasing attribute, but measurable sustainability impacts. The living green wall will significantly increase air quality, producing 94kg of oxygen and extracting 71kg of carbon dioxide per year. Additionally, the unit incorporates EV charging points, cycle shelters, bike sheds and green roofs.

The roof comprises 136kWp of Solar PV panels, designed to save 26 tonnes of CO2 annually (equivalent to planting over 1,200 trees per year). LED light fittings with PIR sensors and daylight sensors were all installed. To improve air quality the scheme features air source heat pumps, fresh air ventilation and carbon dioxide sensors to reduce energy consumption.

The project is on track to hit our client’s BREEAM ‘Excellent’ target and even potentially achieve a BREEAM ‘Outstanding’ grade, which accounts for less than the top 1% of the UK’s refurbishment of fit-out projects.

Sustainability features:

• Photovoltaic panels installed to roof
• Energy efficient LED light fittings
• Heating and comfort cooling system
• Mechanical ventilation with heat recovery and fresh air supply
• Water reducing products – self-closing taps, duel flush valves, waterless urinals
• Cycle shelters and EV charging points
• Wildlife habitat panels and insect habitats
• Reclaim and reuse building materials
• Natural, photocatalytic paint to purify the air
• Green wall in reception and living wall to external front elevation
   

Through sustainability initiatives such as renewable energy sources, we have saved:

• 130 tonnes CO2e embodied carbon reduced upfront
• 17.4 tonnes carbon per annum via the photovoltaics
• 128,177 kWh solar PV generation per annum
• £160,000+ forecast energy savings over the next 10 years

The result? BREEAM 'Excellent' and EPC A+ rating.

Client feedback: 

"This scheme at Edinburgh Avenue is a great example of how these existing buildings, where appropriate, can be transformed into more modern, efficient, greener spaces that enable low-carbon growth now and into the future."
James Craddock, Managing Director at Thames Valley, SEGRO

Our Project Management team managed and delivered the sustainable rebuild of a 31,633 sq ft industrial unit following significant fire damage, including management of the demolition phase, design, rebuild and coordination of planning approval, BREEAM/sustainability initiatives and statutory suppliers.

The key features of the building and sustainable features implemented were as follows:

• Photovoltaic panels installed to the roof, providing electricity to the premises and any excess back into the network grid whilst also supplementing the EV charging provision. Industry leading SunPower panels were installed with intelligent monitoring enabling comprehensive data about the energy produced, which is fed into a real time App for review.
• Electric vehicle charging points for employee and visitor use.
• Airlite decoration was used on all wall surfaces, developed to improve air quality, eliminating bacteria and prevents the formation of mould. It drastically reduces the amount of solar heat absorbed by buildings, thereby reducing air-conditioning energy costs up to 30% and lowering the associated CO2 emissions.
• Water saving features including rainwater harvesting (including external taps used for irrigation of the new landscaping), leak detection systems and low water usage sanitaryware and shower facilities.
• Installation of biodiverse landscaping following specialist Ecology consultant review and advice. The specified landscaping includes flowering to encourage wildlife and pollinators, wildflower seeding, wildlife hibernacula’s and bird boxes.
• Secure bicycle parking to encourage employees to cycle to work instead of driving the cycle shelter includes a rich biodiverse growing roof and wildlife habitat panels. Low maintenance, drought-tolerant planting is nectar-rich for butterflies, bees, moths and other invertebrate wildlife.
• External amenity areas with timber benching set within the landscaped areas.
• Hybrid VRF air conditioning with heat recovery to office areas.
• CO2 sensors integrated into the MVHR to control fresh air supply and BMS controls for building services.
• Sub-metering of all electrical systems.
• New energy efficient LED light fittings including daylight sensors throughout warehouse and office areas.
• Equality Act and BREEAM compliant passenger lift integrated within the main reception area.
• Real time information system installed to reception, used to show public transport information.
• Enhanced building fabric materials selected for increased thermal performance.
• Use of recycled fabric elements, such as carpet floor coverings.
• Installation of Kingspan “daylite klick” translucent panels to the warehouse envelope to increase natural daylight into the warehouse and decreased reliance on artificial lighting.

Key to the brief was to achieve a high quality, high specification build, whilst targeting aspirations for refurbishment and new build developments. Both were ultimately achieved, with an EPC rating of A+.

The tenant operated a petrol filling station which had caused ground contamination to an adjacent shopping centre car park. Remedial works were attempted by a third party but only partially successful, so we were required to recommend a remediation strategy.

On behalf of the landlord, we reviewed the historical package of environmental reports and developed and agreed the proposed remediation strategy with the third party. We ensured that the proposed remedial works were appropriately managed, therefore protecting our client’s interest as the landlord, without causing undue disruption to the use of the car park and shopping centre.

Hollis was appointed as part of a multidisciplinary advisory team supporting Border to Coast Pension Partnership as it pooled and transitioned assets into its UK Real Estate Fund, which has grown to £2bn in assets under management in under a year.

The instruction covered two mixed-use portfolios comprising industrial, retail, and hotel assets. Our role was to help the client clearly understand what they were acquiring, the risks associated with each asset, and how those risks should be viewed in context, so they could be accurately modelled and managed as part of a growing institutional fund.

Hollis delivered a coordinated programme of technical due diligence, including fabric and M&E assessments, alongside measured surveys and area referencing. Accurate and consistent building data was fundamental to the process, supporting valuation, risk assessment and future asset management planning while reducing the potential for surprises post-acquisition.

A key part of the brief was managing a bespoke transition process as assets were pooled into the fund. By working closely with Border to Coast, its investment advisers and the wider professional team, we helped ensure that technical risks were identified early, prioritised appropriately and clearly communicated. This enabled informed investment decisions to be made at pace, without compromising governance or confidence.

Our integrated approach brought together engineers, surveyors and due diligence specialists, reducing duplication, improving consistency across reporting and providing a clear line of sight from building condition and compliance through to capital expenditure planning and operational performance.

With ten LGPS Partner Funds now invested, the proposition enables broader access to high quality UK real estate, backed by a collaborative team including Aberdeen, Knight Frank, Workman, Burges Salmon, Ramboll and Hollis.

Our work helped ensure assets were future ready, risk assessed, and aligned with long term investment goals.

The outcome was a set of clear, robust and decision-focused technical insights that supported Border to Coast’s ambition to scale the fund efficiently and responsibly. By setting risk in context and underpinning decisions with reliable data, Hollis helped turn complexity into clarity, enabling the fund to grow with confidence, resilience and long-term value in mind.

We were appointed as Cost Manager, CDM Advisor, and Principal Designer for the extensive restoration of 372 apartments and common facilities at Dolphin Square, a landmark residential development in London. Our multidisciplinary role spanned cost management, environmental consultancy, health and safety, mechanical and electrical, and technical due diligence services, ensuring a seamless and integrated project delivery.

Phase 1 Cost Management

We played a pivotal role in shaping the procurement strategy as Cost Managers for Phase 1 restoration. A bespoke two-stage procurement process was developed to secure the best market price for this unique project.

We collaborated with the design team and undertook option studies and refined the design to achieve optimal value. A targeted soft market testing exercise identified cost-effective solutions for recurring items such as white goods, kitchens, and sanitaryware.

We led a detailed review of the tender returns, ensuring the best-value submission by balancing cost, capability, and experience. Post-contract, we overcame significant challenges caused by unforeseen issues e.g. asbestos and inadequate fire protection, which resulted in numerous changes to the design and scope of work.

However, through robust cost control and analysis of costs at sub-contractor and main contractor levels, we were able to accurately manage, control, and report on costs throughout the post-contract period. Transparent and effective communication throughout the project was crucial to ensure the client and project team were fully appraised of the cost position at all times.  This included regular client cost meetings and creation of a bespoke cost report document to give the client the information they required in a format that worked for them.

Environmental, Health and Safety

We conducted an Environmental, Health and Safety (EHS) due diligence assessment to identify potential liabilities. This addressed soil and groundwater contamination, environmental compliance, and health and safety management, enabling the client to make informed decisions about the development.

As Principal Designer and CDM Advisor, we ensured compliance with health and safety legislation during Phase 1 and additional project instructions, including Services Diversions, KPH Strip Out, Leisure Package 1 and 2, Tennis Courts and the Thames Water Connection. Through regular site inspections, the creation of a contractor’s site manual, and effective design risk management, we upheld the client’s safety vision and policies.

Our efforts were recognised through our Association for Project Safety (APS) corporate membership and backed up by the exemplary practices demonstrated on this project, such as ensuring proper water safety during the Thames Water connection package, this was achieved by addressing contamination concerns with proactive design interventions.

Preconstruction expertise

Our project knowledge was exemplified during pre-construction, as demonstrated by our work on the Thames Water connection package.

A prior investigation revealed specific pipe requirements due to contaminants, which we flagged to ensure the specification met safety standards. This approach ensured that we prioritised water safety.

Tight pre-construction timelines were met with urgency and precision, through detailed design reviews that facilitated thorough risk assessments. Our in-depth understanding of the site’s unique challenges allowed us to deliver tailored solutions, ensuring a smooth transition from pre-construction to active work.

Construction inspections

Our health and safety team performed rigorous inspections during the construction phase, touring all site levels to identify risks and uphold safety standards. Inspection reports were reviewed and refined internally, allowing continuous improvement and knowledge sharing across the team.

We also conducted contractor safety inspections, ensuring extensive issue tracking and follow-up on identified risks. This multi-layered safety approach highlighted our commitment to effectively and collaboratively address the severity of potential risks and hazards. Our regular site inspections with the contractor helped maintain a very safe site.

Handover and documentation review

The handover phase was underpinned by thorough documentation reviews, confirming all design and material details were accurately recorded. Understanding the importance of the health and safety file for future works, we prioritised clarity and usability throughout the project.

For example, during the services diversion package, we identified missing service isolation certificates, promptly addressing the oversight, and improving documentation practices. Our attention to detail ensured that Dolphin Square’s maintenance and engineering team received high-quality handover materials, supporting long-term safety and operational efficiency.

Throughout the restoration of Dolphin Square, Hollis’ project team demonstrated a firm, collaborative, and value-driven approach. By challenging design solutions, upholding diligent safety standards, and prioritising cost efficiency, we successfully delivered a complex project that ensures the long-term functionality and safety of this landmark residential development.

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.

We conducted full Technical Due Diligence on a portfolio comprising two assets in The Netherlands and the other in Spain.

Our client, Hines, was preparing to purchase the assets for their fund on a sale and leaseback arrangement. Offering our Technical Due Diligence service, we assessed the technical conditions, defects and implications of the assets prior to purchase, highlighting any risks and advising whether to proceed with the transaction.

Drawing on multiple disciplines, we provided a complete package of Technical Due Diligence (building survey and mechanical and electrical engineering), Fire Engineering, Reinstatement Cost Assessments, Environmental Phase 1, ESG Consulting including CRREM Analysis, and Measured Surveys for the asset in The Netherlands. Costs were supervised from our cost management team, liaising with the building surveying and mechanical and electrical engineering team for costs within the Capex schedules.

Due to the large scale and cross border nature of this project, the works required a diligent and disciplined approach. Having presence in Europe, we were able to coordinate various teams in a centralised location and keep our client informed and involved throughout.

Consistent with Hines’ value-focused logistics acquisition strategy, in addition to the high quality locations, the assets are highly functional for the needs of their current and future occupiers.