Regeneration is a broad term, that in the construction context, covers large-scale projects intended to promote economic development as well as small-scale works that look to improve quality of life. From creating desirable homes in city centres to finding new, innovative uses for abandoned industrial land, a regeneration consultancy offers a range of different services.

In an ever-changing economic climate with space in the capital particularly limited, regeneration opportunities are essential for the continued development of an area. They breathe much-needed new life into towns and cities. In this article, our team at Blakeney Leigh will be highlighting what services are provided, allowing you to understand the valuable work carried out within the industry. 

Without regeneration projects, areas may fall into disrepair. Instead, we are able to build bespoke and creative solutions to deliver sustainable, thriving communities. Our dedicated team of experts seek to bring lasting improvement to the economic, physical, social and environmental condition of an area. Find out more about the work we do, from opportunity identification and site appraisal to full multi-discipline design…

What exactly does it mean to be a regeneration consultancy? 

As we’ve touched upon, regeneration is a rather broad term within the industry and means something different to each business claiming the title. Here at Blakeney Leigh, our focus is on working successfully with you to create a project benefiting the community now and into the future. We’re proud to be able to revitalise areas both locally and nationally, ensuring areas remain vibrant and full of diverse culture with appropriate architectural design.  

Resource-efficient beautiful spaces, we hope our buildings will inspire future generations to think sustainably and creatively. 

Viability assessments

The viability appraisal of a regeneration project is a crucial part of the development process and is becoming ever more important to the successful planning of the proposed works. Finances are a particularly important aspect of this and it’s essential your chosen consultancy understands value parameters and budgeting. 

Calling upon extensive experience of development assessments alongside our current market knowledge, our team can confidently address and advise upon the viability of a proposed regeneration project. 

Many local authorities will require a financial appraisal before a development scheme can go ahead, ensuring they meet the government’s planning policies. It’s therefore highly important that a construction firm understand the full extent of planning obligations and how viable this project is before an actionable schedule can be put into place. 

Architectural design

A regeneration consultancy should design with careful consideration, giving thought to sustainability and how a building will sit within the surrounding environment. Regenerative architectural design is all about thinking ahead, understanding how a space may be used in the long-term so that future generations can similarly enjoy the area. 

Typically, they will be designed and operated to reverse damage and have a net-positive impact on the environment. However, the focus is also upon the economic and social aspects of the design, leaving a lasting legacy that can withstand the test of time. 

At Blakeney Leigh will pride ourselves on our ability to look beyond the brief, exploring innovative solutions that add value to your project whilst retaining a budget. We understand how important it is that you have a dedicated architectural design team, ensuring your brief is met and any queries or concerns are readily addressed.

Project management

The foundation of a successful regenerative project is good project management, and the key to project management is a robust, experienced team leading the way. You need to build a solid relationship with the construction consultancy you choose to partner with, ensuring they meet your brief and offer creative solutions and advice throughout the process. Open communication is crucial, otherwise you may be left fearing your regeneration works are being unprofessionally handled. You’ll have regular communication with your dedicated project manager, celebrating milestones, identifying potential hurdles and ensuring the overall project remains on track. 

ISO 9001-certified, Blakeney Leigh have over 25 years experience within the industry so you can rest assured that your project is in safe hands. Regenerative projects require a specific skill set and understanding to succeed – listening to clients and adapting accordingly is what drives our projects forward. 

Clerk of works

An onsite representative is crucial, ensuring quality of work is maintained across the project. This is particularly important for a regenerative project as utilising resources and materials effectively is key to the overall success of the works. The primary responsibility of the clerk of works is to ensure the project is constructed to the exact specifications as provided by the designer. 

With over 50 years of experience combined, we can provide you with peace of mind. Every step of the process will be monitored, ensuring not only quality but also that time frames and budgets will be kept. 

The challenges of regenerative design

Often, the difficulty of regenerative design comes in the discomfort of trying a new solution but this can easily be overcome through clear communication and respect between client and construction consultancy. Innovative solutions take courage to implement, but the reward of these potential risks can be second to none. 

Many people are becoming increasingly aware of the importance of protecting and replenishing our diminishing resources. It’s only a matter of time before regenerative design comes to the very forefront of the industry as contractors demand change. With the aid of local authorities, there is the opportunity for large-scale implementation of regenerative design, benefitting whole communities. There are fantastic examples of this worldwide, but to be effective it requires an en masse roll out. 

 

Examples of regenerative design

When you initially enter into an agreement with a regeneration consultancy, they should first have a sincere discussion to explore the brief. As a client, you’ll be asked what you feel comfortable pursuing in terms of an energy target and whether you are willing to try innovative strategies. Some design examples that may be put in front of you include: 

  • Green roofs and skins. Fairly common in today’s building design industry, these walls not only look interesting to the passer-by but they also sequester carbon levels too. 
  • Rainwater capture. Designing constructed wetlands that capture and naturally store rainfall to replenish an underground aquifer. 
  • Wastewater treatment. A highly effective method of water conservation though initially a larger investment. But, the overall savings far outweigh the short-term financial investment. 
  • Energy consumption and production. Not only designing a building to use less energy, but also one that can produce and store its own energy on site. Utilising technologies such as solar panels and even wind turbines to create micro-communities served by a small-scale energy source. 
  • Thermal efficient construction. Creating thermal barriers between the exterior and interior to create an energy efficient building and ultimately, reducing the mechanical strain on the installed equipment. 

Whilst some regenerative strategies have been around for some time now, there is still the opportunity to push the boundaries. 

In 2009 Blakeney Leigh, alongisde London borough of Southwark embarked on a phase 1 regeneration project of Queens Road Peckham. We carried out brick cleaning, pointing and external decorations to properties in the adjacent road to the station. We also installed new boundary walls and railings to provide the area with a sense of security and uniformity. We also installed shop fronts with modern uniformed styling. As a testament to our work, this area is now highly sought after and has kick-started multiple new residential developments, further increasing the popularity of the area.

Blakeney Leigh: A regeneration consultancy with a difference

Established in 1986, our dedicated team here at Blakeney Leigh have been delivering high-quality building, construction and property services to our clients for over 30 years. We use only the highest quality in terms of materials and using our knowledge and experience, ensure we meet the very latest industry standards. 

With every project, we take into account the impact it will have on residents and the wider community. We pride ourselves on carrying out every build or service considerately and efficiently. Our highly-skilled, 18-strong team of experts really get to know our clients so that the entire process can be as gratifying as possible. 

Are you looking to begin a regenerative project and want to work with a trusted, reputable construction consultancy? Contact us today here or call 020 8777 7700 and a member of our dedicated team will be more than happy to discuss your individual requirements.

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