The following press release has been created for BE News Vacant department stores present huge regeneration opportunities
The below article to be attributed to Stephan Schmid, Senior Vice President at AM alpha
Without question, the British high street has transformed beyond recognition over the last decade and with it, vast amounts of former department store buildings have become vacant. This provides developers with an opportunity to create innovative and impressive regeneration schemes while helping to ensure the buildings go through evolution rather than extinction.
Often, department store buildings hold huge significance in city and town centres for many reasons. They are some of the most impressive architecture we have in these areas, are historically noteworthy and hold strong resonance with the local community. Therefore, there will always be levels of expectation for the future development of these sites.
Property specialists with enhanced vision and capabilities can deliver successful regeneration projects through these buildings, provided they can create a new experience with the existing space. Putting local people at the heart of these developments will drive socio-economic and sustainable benefits, helping to guarantee that the buildings continue to play a key role in the future.
Restoring to a former glory
Many former department store buildings are listed or, at the very least, properties of local historical significance, meaning there are restrictions around redevelopment work. However, the vast majority of heritage assets are capable of being adapted or worked around without a loss to their significance.
An element of change is always required to facilitate the viable use of an existing property, especially a very old one, to make sure a scheme can be delivered excellently. However, an overarching aim when restoring former department shops is to build on the heritage asset, conserving many of its qualities to restore the property to its former glory.
At AM alpha, we consider the chance to refurbish these noteworthy buildings to be a privilege; a way of ensuring a new space has old character and can stand out from the crowd thanks to its rich history. For example, our Rylands scheme in Manchester is an innovative mixed-use scheme on a former Debenhams site, and our design approach manages the changes to the heritage asset in a way that sustains and enhances its significance.
Environmental benefits
Restoring old properties rather than building new ones is better for both the economy and the environment; a win-win for the construction sector. But sustainability and feasible reuse are also key components for the protection and enhancement of heritage assets, which needs to form part of the restoration plans.
Often the case with vacant listed buildings is that they have been significantly undervalued and poorly maintained, so developers should look to undertake repairs that help to secure the long-term future of the property and address any permanent damage. This should be achieved using sustainable construction methods.
For example, our Manchester Rylands site has been planned and designed to achieve Net Zero Carbon status. Once the renovation works are complete, a certification for sustainable construction according to Breeam Excellent or Nabers 5* is planned for the site.
Driving socio-economic benefits
Commercial developers must also be more considerate of neighbourhoods than ever before. Former department stores offer a large opportunity to drive socio-economic improvements, but this can only be achieved by building schemes that local people are genuinely proud of and want to experience.
Ultimately, people make places and local communities must be at the heart of commercial development. With former department store buildings, people are vastly invested in the preservation of the site, meaning developers are already on their way towards receiving local support. Nevertheless, it remains imperative to build on this by delivering what communities want and need.
Restoring vacant buildings has so many benefits – they’re often quicker, more sustainable and more cost-effective. AM alpha has centred much of our recent work on regeneration because we place so much importance on the relationship between significant buildings and local communities. This is never more prevalent than with former department stores, providing a brilliant opportunity for forward-thinking developers to create pioneering schemes fit for the future.
ENDS
For more information, please contact:
Rebecca Sweeney on 07803 327778