Borough Road
Blending History with Modern Design
The background
Transforming Offices
into Studio Flats
Converting historic buildings is a challenge in anyone’s book. This abandoned office building was located on a prominent corner plot at 8 Borough Road. Our challenge was to convert this historic office block into a mix of modern studio flats and maisonettes. We managed to retain the building’s rich historical elements, including the 1894 brick inscriptions while introducing contemporary features to the design.
Project Details
Location: Liverpool
Value: £60,000 → £1,050,000
Rental: £0 pcm → £9000 pcm
Timeline: 12 months
The Numbers
Refurbishment Costs: £800,000
Caption
The brief
Adapting to Market Realities
Originally planned as a 24-bedroom HMO, market research revealed limited demand for such units. As investors interested in the property market ourselves, we advised the client to pivot their plan, focussing on studio flats to improve marketability. The design included bike and bin storage and cleverly incorporated four spacious maisonettes exceeding 37 sqm.
Caption
Caption
The challenges
Balancing Heritage and Innovation
The key challenge was maintaining the building’s historical character while building the new, modern-designed apartments into the existing structure. We added a mansard roof, which fitted well with the original building and enhanced its status as a local landmark. Our careful attention to local market demands and planning regulations earned the approval of the planning department after several meetings and application amendments.
Caption
Project Timeline
Apr 2018
Found Property
Sept 2018
Exchanged
Apr 2019
Refurb Starts
Sept 2019
Refurb Complete
Oct 2019
Tenants Move in
Project Scope
→ Design Appraisal
→ Existing Drawings
→ Concept Drawings
→ Full Planning Permission Application
→ Building Regulation Drawings & Application
→ Construction Project Management
→ Interior Design
→ Furniture Selection
→ HMO Licencing
→ 3D Virtual Tour
Related Project
Parish Mews
Location: Cardiff
Value: £85,000 → £260,000
Rental: £350 pcm → £2,500 pcm
Timeline: 5-6 months