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Why Listed Property Restoration is beneficial for Dorset businesses
Dorset’s historic properties are valuable beyond their attractive aesthetic. Participating in Listed Property Restoration helps preserve the integrity of Bournemouth and creates new opportunities for future value. Restored listed properties can be great tourist attractions or rental properties with long-term tenants who appreciate the status of restored properties and income potential.
For the complete step-by-step guide to listed property restoration, refer to the main article by B&S Restoration: Listed Property Restoration.
Local context: The restoration landscape of Bournemouth and Dorset.
Bournemouth and Dorset’s history is marked by both restoration successes and further challenges. For example, in Bournemouth, the £5.6 million restoration of Bobby’s (rooftop work and conservation of rare Crittall windows) demonstrates that even the most extensive historic buildings can be restored to their proper glory with a meticulous eye towards preserving existing features. The same goes for many other listings throughout Dorset.
According to B&S Restoration’s Featured Article on Restoring a Listed Property, it’s primarily about the design plan, execution by craftsmen and women, and the use of historically accurate materials, which result in a successful renovation that respects the historical integrity of the protected building.
Practical tips for planning a listed restoration project
Know your listing grade
Before proceeding with works, it’s essential to know if you are Grade I, II* or II. This distinction makes a significant difference in determining whether conservation and planning rules apply, so always consult with Historic England and your local planning authority. B&S Restoration’s article discusses the various levels of protection, including rights for internal and external works, and whether permission is required for these works.
Employ heritage-accredited professionals
All restoration work requires specialist teams. Heritage architects, craftsmen and conservation officers need to be on the same page to synergise efforts. For example, the restoration of The Lodge on St Michael’s Road is a prime example of the importance of precision in listed property restoration. This project successfully diverted efforts based on 3D scans and comprehensive heritage surveys to refurbish the Grade II property.
Get planning permission expedited
When conservation or planning permission is denied, budgets go awry. It’s best to work with the BCP Council to get pre-application recommendations. Another local restoration example is the Royal Arcade, where BCP’s local planning committees facilitated the mixed-use conversion. B&S Restoration’s comprehensive guide provides detailed instructions on how to present heritage impact assessments to effectively avoid denial.
Budget for conservation essentials
Restoration of designated properties often reveals unexpected challenges, including deteriorating conditions behind the historic envelope, water damage, and hidden structural issues. At Bobby’s, the restoration had to combat years of water penetration into the structure, which required roofing repairs and fabric work to be done in a precautionary manner at every stage. Plan the budget for specialised materials, stabilisation, and phased access.
Economic benefits and sustainability
Increased property value and tenant appeal
Restored listed buildings can command higher rents and longer lease terms. Whether business or cultural users, everyone seeks out unique, historical settings, and now that the exteriors and interiors have been refreshed, they attract a steady stream of foot traffic.
Contributing to wider regeneration
Heritage restoration is contagious. When one landlord does it, others will follow suit. For example, the redevelopment of the Lodge shows how one restoration project can contribute to much wider urban refurbishment. Consequently, the impact of listed property restoration can never be underestimated, and the owners of these buildings have both a moral and legal responsibility to protect Dorset’s history.
To learn more about this issue, visit B&S Restoration and read their complete guide.
Integration of sustainable design
Restoration projects can meet the high sustainability standards of modern-day construction without compromising the original architecture of the building. Invisible insulation, heat recovery or solar add-ons (where framing approved heritage allows) are on par with today’s concepts of energy conservation.
Read B&S Restoration’s complete guide for sympathetic methods of modernisation that still permit heritage status and respect the original design.
Initial steps for Bournemouth Businesses
- Read B&S Restoration’s article on Listed Property Restoration for a more in-depth dive into the maintenance of
- Schedule a heritage audit with a conservation architect to talk about listing and requirements of the building; requirement changes may differ between Grade I and Grade II.
- Speak to planning officers at BCP Council sooner rather than later to avoid confusion down the road and use their pre-application advice to assist your application.
- Seek funding, whether from Historic England, local heritage trusts or town centre regeneration opportunities.
- Think about maintenance as this isn’t just a project restoration, but an endeavour that requires ongoing care for your investment and that of the community.
