Mill Street

The Numbers
Home Buyer Report: £400
Refurbishment Costs: £85,000
Architect: £10,000
Furniture: £5,000
Annual Rental Income: £30,000 pa

The brief

Creating functional, comfortable flats in a complex structure

Our task was to turn this multi-part “Frankenstein” structure into cohesive, comfortable flats while respecting its conservation status. Each flat needed to feel distinct yet functionally integrated, with a flowing layout despite the building’s unconventional shape. Adding a communal workspace for tenants allowed us to introduce a modern, shared element to this historic setting.

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The challenges

Coordinating multiple teams, fire safety, and adapting to strict Building Control

This project had its fair share of hurdles, starting with communication and organisation issues before we took on the project management. There were gaps in information-sharing among teams, and development often progressed onsite without aligning fully with Building Control (BC) requirements. Once we were managing the project, fire safety became the main priority. Converting from retail and office spaces to residential units required upgraded fire resistance, so we brought in a fire consultant to meet these higher standards.

Soundproofing was also a major focus, with enhanced acoustic insulation required to bring the building up to residential quality. On top of all this, we faced ongoing challenges with the BC officer, who sometimes requested revisions after already approving certain items. This meant our onsite team often had to redo work to stay compliant, keeping us on our toes as we moved the project forward. Despite the twists and turns, we’re turning this unusual building into a comfortable, safe, and stylish residence.

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