Ian Jones MRICS’ Post

Few observations on how the office to residential conversions can help adressing housing crisis in Germany #design #office #reuse #repositioning #adaptivereuse #residential #conversions #big7 https://lnkd.in/e8RjBQ-U

Navigating Planning Challenges with Patience and Expertise: Intelligent Land Secures Consent for Poole Office to Apartments Conversion In the world of urban planning, patience often becomes one of the most essential virtues! The recent success of Intelligent Land (IL) in securing planning consent for the extension and conversion of an office building in Poole town centre is testament to this. Client: Ankers and Rawlings Planning Authority: BCP Council Location: Market Close, Poole Architect: Scott Worsfold Architects and Urban Designers The journey to secure this consent spanned nearly two years and was fraught with challenges, including changes in the Planning Case Officer and their line manager, changes in Council solicitors for the Section 106 Agreement, and delayed responses from consultees. The process of securing consent was anything but straightforward. Frequent changes in Council personnel and delayed communications could easily have de-railed the project. However, IL's planning team navigated these hurdles with patience and determination. Rather than opting for an appeal, which could have incurred additional costs and uncertainties, IL chose to stick with it work through the complexities. The approved project not only meets the client's objectives but also ensures a high-quality, sensitive conversion of a 1980s office building. This transformation will complement the adjoining listed buildings in Poole’s historic quarter, enhancing the area’s architectural heritage. The planning system can often seem daunting, with its many challenges and potential delays. However, with Intelligent Land by your side, you're not alone. We guide our clients through every twist and turn, using our experience to navigate the complexities of the planning process. Our recent success with Ankers & Rawlings is just one example of how we help our clients achieve their goals, no matter how challenging the journey may be. We believe in turning obstacles into opportunities, ensuring that your vision becomes a reality. Contact us to learn how we can help you navigate the planning landscape and all it might throw at you!

How do we respond to evolving requirements for office buildings? Circotrade’s CEO, Tina Paillet, FRICS joined a Property Week/tp bennett expert panel to discuss the big question on the lips of architects, developers, asset managers and tenants, who face a fast-changing world that has seen not only work patterns, behaviours and office needs turned on their head by the Covid-19 pandemic but climate concerns brought to the fore, too. Tina Paillet said she believed the future would see more and more repurposing of materials, as technology and methods in the sector evolve. “You can now build a new build using secondary materials,” she said. “And reused steel is becoming more popular. There are all sorts of tools now to identify whether the reused steel can be used within your structure and your scheme. That sector is really moving fast. I think, to hit low carbon targets, we're going to see more and more reused materials.” With Julian Sharpe, James Elliott, Shane Kelly, Peter Bovill, Nick Clare, Aoife McEvoy, Rupert Perkins, Edmund Reed, Richard Saul, Edward Thomson, Melanie Flaherty and Lewis Berrill. Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/eUaGG6DM

Have you ever confused an office building as a house? Likely not because they are 2 different types of #properties. However, with the amount of office buildings sitting empty and the need for additional housing, one answer to both of them is to convert offices into homes. While this is an option, it's not always the easiest. A few things that could complicate things are: ☑️ Zoning restrictions - #buildings were #zoned for one purpose and can be difficult to get changed. ☑️ #Location - office buildings are not where people want to live. Most are in urban areas with little or no conveniences like shopping. ☑️ Building design - some of the older #buildings don't have #windows, the structure isn't convenient for homes considering the need for multiple plumbing options. ☑️ Office leases - not all buildings are completely vacant which could cause issues converting the rest of the building into other uses. All of these potential complications can delay or thwart development efforts overall. What do you think? If you've done work with these types of conversions, how did it work out? We have some #office space available. See all of our available #cre properties at https://buff.ly/3G5FyJ7 #KRGRE #CRE #Commercialrealestate #office #retail #lease #sale #industrial #residential #investment #development #construction #creinvestment #crebroker #columbus #ohio #experiencematters

Navigating the Boom: Why Mixed-Use Developments Continue to Thrive Despite Challenges Despite ongoing construction challenges, mixed-use developments remain a popular choice for developers. These projects offer flexibility, financial stability, and functionality, making them a solid investment. The trend of combining residential, retail, and office spaces not only diversifies income streams but also revitalizes communities with the live-work-play concept. However, developers must navigate rising costs, financing complexities, and lengthy construction timelines. A proactive approach, strategic site selection, and a focus on understanding market demands are essential for success in today’s mixed-use landscape. https://buff.ly/3yl6wLE

An audit in #Austin, #Texas highlights significant financial and architectural challenges in converting office spaces into residential units. https://bit.ly/3X5pal7

Some interesting thoughts regarding the bifurcation in demand and outcomes in US Office - essentially the “haves vs the have nots”. This divergence in demand is well known as it pertains to new construction and certain micro-markets outperforming. However there are also some material nuances with existing real estate - well located, efficient floorplates, a desirable window-line, sufficient slab heights, and fewer columns - can transcend the wave of obsolescence. Predicated on ‘basis’, this can provide a compelling ROI thesis to invest and transform some of these assets into relevant and desirable solutions at a more favourable price point for end users vs new construction

This is article explores the reshaping of residential spaces through office conversions and presents an intriguing perspective on the evolving dynamics of urban development. As remote work trends continue to reshape demand for office space, the potential to convert underutilised office buildings into residential units emerges as a solution to address the growing housing shortage. However, the article rightly highlights the challenges developers face, including financial constraints and architectural considerations. Successful office-to-residential conversions will require innovative planning and collaboration among stakeholders to ensure that these projects effectively meet housing needs while aligning with community standards. Overall, the potential for office conversions represents a promising opportunity for the real estate market, definitely something to keep an eye on. Read the full article > https://lnkd.in/evBGTFy4 #officeconversion #redevelopment

Speaking as I do to many of our multi sector clients, there is an overwhelming sense that consumer confidence is returning to the market. Whether reflected in leasing activity on the high street, construction start dates in the office market, investors turning their attention towards "value add" investment opportunities & refurbishments or globally recognised brands expanding or reinvesting into their portfolio, we are seeing the noticeable emergence of green shoots. An example of this is today's news that #London office construction is approaching a near record high, fuelled in part by the acceleration in demand for "best in class" Grade A space. At Havwoods, we are proud to be working at the forefront of the market; partnering with a broad & diverse portfolio of globally recognised brands, interior designers, architects, contractors & occupiers across the commercial & residential sectors to deliver a product that inspires, that promotes engagement & ultimately delivers a point of differentiation. Havwoods can help you to deliver that point of differentiation. Talk to us. #commercial #residential #office #workspace #retail #bar #restaurant #hotel #brands #interiordesign #placemaking #architects #contractors #occupiers #highstreet Lyndsey Dyson Jarl White Jenson Calder Kasia Lovell Ralph Simpson Edward Eagle