The Asset
The project involved the conversion of a rear workshop serving 379–383 Bath Road into two residential units, forming part of a wider mixed-use arrangement where the front buildings remained in use.
Key characteristics of the site included:
Change of use from commercial to residential
Constrained access via communal courtyard routes
Interfaces with existing buildings and escape routes
Fire safety and means of escape considerations requiring careful design coordination
A live programme with funding and completion milestones
The asset required active oversight during delivery, as late-stage regulatory issues would have had a direct impact on cost, programme, and viability.
The Brief
The developer appointed Modbury Estates to:
Take on a hands-on project oversight role during the refurbishment works
Coordinate compliance and safety requirements alongside construction activity
Act as a central point of control between site activity, consultants, and regulators
Identify and manage delivery risk as the project progressed
Support the developer in maintaining momentum while meeting regulatory obligations
This was not a post-completion management role. Modbury Estates was engaged to support delivery during the works, ensuring the project remained controlled, compliant, and capable of progressing without avoidable delay.
The Challenge
As the project progressed toward pre-plaster stage, a number of delivery-critical issues required coordinated intervention:
Fire safety strategy and means of escape arrangements needed clarification as layouts evolved
Interfaces between new residential units and existing communal routes required alignment
Certain compliance requirements had not been fully captured at tender stage, presenting a risk of late-stage disruption
Decisions needed to be taken quickly, based on accurate site context rather than drawings alone
Without structured project oversight, these issues could have resulted in abortive works, delayed sign-off, or unplanned cost exposure.
Modbury Estates’ Role During the Works
Modbury Estates acted as the developer’s professional control and coordination layer throughout the live refurbishment phase.
Project & Delivery Oversight
Active involvement during construction rather than retrospective review
Ongoing monitoring of progress against programme expectations
Identification of delivery risks as works progressed
Compliance & Fire Safety Coordination
Coordination of Fire Risk Assessments and fire safety input
Management of fire strategy considerations in line with the developing build
Ensuring compliance requirements were translated into practical, buildable actions
Regulatory & Stakeholder Liaison
Direct liaison with Building Control during the works
Supporting site inspections and compliance discussions
Ensuring regulatory feedback was addressed promptly and proportionately
Risk & Cost Management
Early identification of compliance items not fully allowed for within the original scope
Clear communication of cost and programme implications to the developer
Supporting informed decision-making before issues escalated
This approach allowed compliance and delivery considerations to be managed in parallel, rather than sequentially.
Outcomes & Project Impact
As a result of Modbury Estates’ involvement:
Fire safety and means of escape requirements were clarified and embedded during delivery
Compliance risks were addressed before completion, not retrospectively
The project remained viable and capable of progressing in line with agreed milestones
The developer benefited from clearer control, coordination, and confidence during the build phase
Crucially, Modbury Estates’ involvement reduced the risk of late-stage regulatory intervention, remedial works, or programme disruption.
Why This Matters for Developers and Investors
This case study demonstrates the value of engaging a project and development management partner who can operate effectively within live refurbishment and conversion projects by:
Providing structured oversight during construction activity
Coordinating compliance alongside build progress
Identifying and managing risk early
Supporting delivery with clarity, control, and professional judgement
For developers, this approach delivers greater certainty of outcome, particularly on constrained or non-standard sites.
