Eastleigh Borough Council – Post Office Conversion

Client: Eastleigh Borough Council
Contact Name: Andrew Wright
Works Value: £Confidential
Project Lead: James Fewtrell

BAS Property Consultants Ltd were appointed to lead a multidisciplinary team through RIBA stages 1-3, following a successful tender bid and interview in May 2019. Acting as Architect, Project Manager, and Lead Designer on the scheme, the appointment covers initial site appraisals, feasibility study, developed design, pre-application advise and full planning submissions.

A series of initial options proposals, mixes and tenures were reviewed, inclusive of light-tough refurbishment and retention of the existing buildings, all the way through to more fundamental site demolition and new build construction. From the outset these options considered the Local Planning Policy, which was used to guide and the design options where appropriate. Simultaneously key risks to the project including historic covenants on the land, statutory service routes and flood risk were raised and reviewed to allow a complete picture of each development option.

The options were subsequently strategically assessed alongside key stakeholders within the Local Authority and a definitive regeneration and development route was confirmed following this input. The selected development option was iteratively developed, with further detailed design informing the layout, aesthetic and strategy of the development. At this stage fundamental checks have also been taken on key safety and maintenance criteria, using Building Regulation guidance and best practice advice from the British Standards and Health and Safety Executive.

The scheme lead by BAS Property Consultants Ltd achieved a full planning consent for commercial space and 29 new residential flats in 2020 and is currently now under construction.