Stourbank
Reusing old buildings can be a good alternative to new build when considering housing for people. It is a way to save a neglected building that might otherwise be demolished. The practice can also benefit the environment by conserving natural resources and minimising the need for new materials.
We purchased Stourbank a former health centre building converting, extending and adapting it to create wheelchair accessible housing. The development work was treated no differently to that of a new build. The quality, integrity, materials and works were carried out to the highest standard. The relevant planning permission and consents obtained.
Located in a residential area in the centre of a market town near to Stratford-Upon-Avon and the North Cotswolds, Stourbank offered a great location for someone to live. There was nothing at all wrong with the building other than there was no longer a need for a health centre in the area. This presented an opportunity to give the property a different purpose, and when you have a good property in a good location sometimes it makes sense to give a building a new use.
Converting buildings can help people on housing waiting lists as the property can be completed in a shorter time than a new build. We had been asked to develop housing for wheelchair users and reduced waiting times make a bigger difference to a person’s life when they are living in a home that is not accessible.
The most important factor in all of our housing developments is that the quality is not compromised and doesn’t differ between a converted property and a new build. Sometimes therefore, for some people, a shorter wait for housing is the preferred option.
With a focus on climate change and greener methods, the idea of preservation and sustainability is much more ingrained in our thoughts. When reusing an existing building many of the construction materials are already produced and transported onto the site before we start.