Building Optimisation

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+.

105 Victoria Street (completion, Q2 2026) provides 500,000 sq ft across office, retail, public spaces and terraces. Market leading ESG credentials see the building designed to achieve EPC A; WELL ‘Platinum’ and BREEAM ‘Outstanding’. 

Our role was to provide initial technical due diligence across the development, including separate service reviews of fire engineering, MEP design, vertical transport and ESG, which culminated in a successful loan close, then closely monitoring development risk and managing debt drawdown towards completion.

Our early identification of construction risks combined with a pragmatic and commercial mindset, has helped our client to achieve a low risk loan profile.

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.