| Project Type: Heritage Feasibility Study. |
| Development Description: Pre-purchase Study to inform viability of conversion of grade II listed building into luxury apartments |
| Local Planning Authority: Camden London Borough Council |
Fuller Long was appointed to undertake a feasibility study for a client looking to acquire a grade II property for conversion into high quality, short stay apartments.
The property is a hidden gem in the heart of Bloomsbury, planned as early as 1686. The properties in question were built as townhouses in the early 18th Century on open land. By the mid to late 19th century former residential properties were gradually being converted to institutional use making the area a hub for both medical and artistic organisations.
Although the subject buildings had been subject to alteration and adaptation they retained notable interiors, with moulded ceilings and original fireplaces, as well as later interiors associated with their use for education and art. The survival, quality, layout, scale and sensitivity of sections of fabric raised a number of critical issues for a conversion. Although a number of solutions and approaches to a residential conversion were identified it was clear that the buildings, and associated works, was likely to hold significant planning risk; primarily as a result of the number of internal changes required to meet fire safety, and retrofitting services into the existing historic fabric. Our assessment gave the client enough information to make an informed decision on whether or not to pursue an acquisition ensuring that they were able to reduce risk and lost investment.
If you are looking for heritage and planning assistance before purchasing a listed property Fuller Long can help. To speak with one of our experienced team of planning and heritage consultants, please call us on phone or email us at hello@fullerlong.com.
