High quality new build under the most challenging conditions

Description: Three two-bedroomed flats within a Regency terrace
Location: Cheltenham, Gloucestershire
Project duration: 14 months
Completed: 2008
Project value: In excess of £200k

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This ‘traditional new build’ project, undertaken by Willison Construction for its own development portfolio, presented major challenges: demolition of two existing single garages; excavation of a new basement; build and integration of three flats into an existing Regency terrace in a select residential district; construction underneath an occupied building with a flying freehold; general improvement of the local environment.

Working through a particularly wet winter, often at depths of several metres, these architect-designed two-bedroom flats have completely transformed the end of a character-full Regency terrace. Throughout the project, various logistical and structural challenges tested Willison Construction’s ingenuity, organisational ability, engineering and period restoration skills to the full. The result blends seamlessly with the existing Regency terrace. Such has been the enhancement of the local environment that a civic award has already been mooted.

Build highlights

• Excavation of c. 1000 tonnes of spoil and creation of a basement flat
• Contract progression under occupied first-floor premises with a flying freehold
• Excavation to 4m below ground level during an exceptionally wet winter
• Installation of flood prevention measures (tanked basement and pump installation)
• Construction adjacent to occupied listed buildings in a conservation area
• Constricted site in a built-up residential area with restricted delivery access
• Installation of a Saniflow pumped sewage system for the basement flat
• Full disabled access to properties over three levels
• Parapet roofing and fibreglass valleys
• Installation of sash windows consistent with local architectural details
• ‘Seamless’ integration of build into the existing Regency vernacular style
• Minimal disruption to the local environment during the 14-month construction period.

Ultimate client benefit

With successful project completion, the contractor owns three desirable investment properties, enjoys a strong sense of achievement from overcoming the technical challenges of the work, and has the satisfaction of having integrated the development with (and simultaneously enhanced) a corner of residential Cheltenham.