APA were initially instructed to undertake a Pre-Acquisition Report for 44 Welbeck Street, a Grade II listed Georgian townhouse in W1 that had been adapted for office use. Following the client’s acquisition, APA were retained as Project Managers and Client Advisors to identify opportunities to enhance the asset and maximise its long-term value. APA developed the client brief and led a structured consultation with several architectural practices, coordinating the shortlisting and interview process and reviewing feasibility studies against the client’s objectives. Following the refusal of the initial listed building application for a full sympathetic remodel and installation of a lift, the project strategy was reassessed and APA’s appointment subsequently expanded to include Contract Administration and the delivery of a comprehensive internal and external refurbishment.

Working closely with the contractor, and the wider professional team, APA coordinated a heritage-sensitive refurbishment that balanced the building’s Georgian character with the requirements of modern office occupiers. The works included upgraded office accommodation, refurbished WCs, showers and kitchen facilities, new end-of-trip amenities, improved building services and infrastructure, and extensive internal and external repairs and redecoration. Original proportions, fireplaces, cornicesand joinery were carefully retained, while new interventions were discreetly integrated and high-quality, durable finishes introduced throughout. We also successfully obtained listed building consent for the works including to replace all sash windows with new timber double glazed units designed to replace the original period style.   APA’s involvement from pre-acquisition through to completion enabled the client to make informed decisions and deliver a coordinated scheme aligned with the long-term asset strategy. The completed project successfully repositioned 44 Welbeck Street as a high-quality, self-contained office building ready for the letting market, while improving its EPC rating from C to B. The launch event attracted 86 property agents and generated positive feedback on the quality of the completed accommodation.