Assessments can include:

• building condition and structural capacity
• roof, wall and floor construction
• floor loading and equipment support requirements
• available electrical, gas and water capacity
• drainage and process waste requirements
• ventilation, refrigeration and temperature control
• vehicle access and loading arrangements
• fire safety and means of escape
• planning and building control considerations
• potential environmental and site constraints

The findings can support property selection, lease negotiations, capital planning and investment approval.

Alterations to the Existing Building

Most change-of-use projects require a combination of structural alterations, new services and internal fit-out works.

Typical works include:

• removal of existing partitions, services and finishes
• structural openings and building alterations
• floor strengthening and new equipment bases
• installation of pits, trenches and drainage systems
• new mechanical and electrical infrastructure
• refrigeration, ventilation and environmental control
• hygienic walls, ceilings, doors and flooring
• loading bay and yard modifications
• new fire compartments and escape routes
• offices, welfare areas and staff facilities
• external envelope repairs or upgrades

Our team plans these works as one coordinated construction programme, reducing gaps between design, equipment installation and building completion.

Developing the New Operational Layout

A change of use often requires the building to be reorganised around a completely different process. Ambrey Baker develops coordinated layouts that consider production equipment, people, materials, waste, storage and vehicle movements. The design also considers how the proposed operation will interact with the existing structure and services.

For food and drink facilities, this can include:

• hygiene zoning and controlled access
• segregation between raw and finished products
• high-care and low-care production areas
• cleanable wall, ceiling and floor finishes
• staff changing and welfare facilities
• washdown and drainage requirements
• temperature-controlled production and storage
• product, packaging and waste flows

Equipment suppliers and operational teams can be involved during the design stage to ensure that access, servicing and installation requirements are fully coordinated.

Planning, Compliance and Approvals

Changing the use of a building can introduce different planning, fire safety, environmental and Building Regulations requirements.

The approvals required will depend on the existing building, its location and the proposed activity. We identify relevant requirements during the early stages and coordinate the necessary design information with the client’s wider professional team and regulatory bodies where applicable.

This may include consideration of:

• planning permission or permitted development rights
• Building Regulations approval
• fire strategy and emergency access
• environmental permits and drainage consents
• workplace health and safety requirements
• food hygiene and retailer standards
• accessibility and staff welfare provisions
• energy performance and building services compliance

Early review helps reduce the risk of redesign or approval delays later in the programme.