Client

The client is an innovator in urban warehousing in London. They build high specification inner-city developments with better amenities, creating better opportunities and delivering better outcomes for today’s businesses.

Objectives

This project centred on the complete demolition of existing structures and redeveloping a new warehouse facility in a tightly constrained inner-city location. The site, located in Greenwich, London, was surrounded by multiple neighbouring properties and structures, making it a particularly complex environment for construction. Thomas & Thomas was appointed to complete the pre-acquisition surveyor and as the Party Wall Surveyor.
 

Scope of Work

• Pre-acquisition: Thomas & Thomas carried out a thorough pre-acquisition survey of the existing structures on site. This survey was critical in identifying any structural or legal issues that could arise during the redevelopment and evaluating the existing buildings’ condition before demolition.
• Feasibility: A comprehensive investigation was undertaken to identify potential adjoining owners. Given the high density of commercial properties surrounding the site, this required careful research.
• Schedules of Condition: Detailed schedules of condition were prepared for multiple adjoining properties to document the pre-existing state of these structures. This process was vital in protecting the interests of all parties, ensuring any potential damage caused by the works could be easily identified and resolved.
• Party Wall Awards: Thomas & Thomas awarded multiple party wall awards, over multiple phases of demolition and construction. This included negotiations with more than five adjoining owners, both residential and commercial, over two phases of work, ensuring that all legal requirements under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 were met.

Challenges

The inner-city location presented a series of logistical challenges. The site’s proximity to residential homes and commercial buildings required careful planning to minimise disruption. Extensive coordination with adjoining owners and their representatives was crucial to maintaining the construction timeline while ensuring all concerns were addressed promptly.
 

Sustainability Initiatives

In line with the client’s commitment to sustainability, the redevelopment targeted an EPC rating of ‘A’ and aimed for a BREEAM Excellent rating. This ambitious target required sustainable construction methods and energy-efficient design to be implemented throughout the project, ensuring the long-term environmental performance of the new warehouse.
 

Outcome

Thanks to extensive negotiations and careful management, the project remained on schedule despite the complexities of the site. All party wall matters were handled efficiently, allowing the works to proceed without delays. The project was completed on time and within the allocated budget, meeting both the client’s requirements and the sustainability targets set out at the beginning.