Sloane House was an office building built in the late 1970s and was left derelict since the early 2000s. While the building fell into disrepair, the internal structure remained sound and after considering many different feasibility options, retaining and converting the existing building was determined to be the most sustainable and cost effective approach. Adjacent to Sloane House was a pre-fabricated office block, Cambridge House. Due to the construction of this building, it was not considered suitable for conversion and was therefore demolished and replaced by a new-build apartment block.
While utilising the existing Sloane House building footprint presented a number of challenges, the final design successfully delivered 52 residential units within the retained structure. These comprised a carefully considered mix of one‑ and two‑bed apartments, complemented by shared amenities including a gym and a hub space designed to support a sense of community among residents.
As part of the planning process, we explored multiple options for extending the building, working through both full planning applications and permitted development rights. This strategic approach allowed us to test viability and capacity at every stage, ultimately securing approval for an additional 10 homes within the scheme. Alongside this, several tenure models were assessed, ranging from private sale to build‑to‑rent, ensuring that the development could respond flexibly to market conditions and the needs of different stakeholders.
The project was further strengthened by the delivery of a new‑build apartment block, adding an extra 27 units and creating a balanced mix of old and new within the site. Taken together, the combined elements resulted in an urban regeneration scheme that provided a total of 89 high‑quality homes. Targeted toward young professionals, the development reactivated a long‑vacant site in the town centre and transformed it into a vibrant residential address. By blending reuse, extension and new construction, the project demonstrates how pragmatic design can deliver value for clients while supporting the renewal of urban areas. This project was delivered by our director under the Avebury brand.