Feasibility Studies
Feasibility studies establish whether a proposed development, refurbishment or infrastructure project can be delivered safely, compliantly and within the physical and operational limits of a site.
Ambrey Baker prepares feasibility studies that allow clients to evaluate viability before progressing to detailed design or committing capital expenditure.
Industrial developments often involve complex operational requirements, specialist plant, and significant infrastructure demands. Early technical assessment allows these factors to be understood before design work progresses.
With almost 40 years of experience delivering projects within live industrial environments, our team provides clear technical insight to support informed project decisions. A feasibility study establishes whether a proposal can be delivered within realistic construction parameters while complying with UK planning policy, building safety legislation and environmental requirements. Early analysis identifies constraints, infrastructure limitations and regulatory obligations that may affect delivery, programme or cost.
Site and Development Appraisal
A feasibility study begins with a detailed review of the site and surrounding infrastructure. This assessment determines whether the location can support the proposed building, operational layout and access requirements.
Typical site appraisal factors include:
- site size, configuration and development capacity
- access routes for vehicles, deliveries and construction traffic
- existing buildings and structural condition where refurbishment is proposed
- ground conditions and potential geotechnical constraints
- drainage capacity and flood exposure
- availability of utilities and infrastructure services
Ground conditions may require geotechnical investigation in accordance with Eurocode 7, while drainage and flood risk considerations must align with the requirements of the Environment Agency and local planning authorities. This early analysis confirms whether a site can physically accommodate the development and identifies technical risks that may require mitigation
Technical and Construction Viability
Loading bay design and construction must satisfy a range of regulatory and safety requirements. Our approach is informed by relevant UK legislation and recognised technical standards. Construction feasibility depends on whether the proposed facility can be delivered safely and efficiently within the constraints of the site. Ambrey Baker evaluates the technical factors that influence buildability, construction sequencing and infrastructure installation.
These assessments may include:
- building configuration and structural layout
- integration of specialist systems such as refrigeration, process services or plant equipment
- construction sequencing and access for installation works
- coordination of structural, architectural and services design
- potential constraints affecting programme or cost certainty
Industrial buildings must comply with structural design standards including Eurocode 3 and Eurocode 2, alongside safety obligations under the Building Regulations 2010.
Assessing these factors at feasibility stage allows the project team to confirm whether the development can be delivered within realistic construction parameters.
Regulatory and Planning Considerations
Feasibility studies also examine the regulatory environment affecting the site. Planning constraints, environmental obligations and building safety requirements influence whether a project can proceed and how it should be designed.
Our assessments review:
- local planning policies and development restrictions
- environmental and flood risk requirements
- building safety and fire strategy considerations
- infrastructure and highway access approvals
- compliance duties under the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015
Design compliance must also align with the Building Safety Act 2022, which places defined responsibilities on clients, designers and contractors during design and construction.
Understanding these obligations at the earliest stage allows clients to plan planning submissions, regulatory approvals and design strategies with greater certainty.
Supporting Early Project Decisions
A feasibility study provides the technical foundation for early project decisions. Ambrey Baker prepares structured reports that summarise site conditions, regulatory considerations, development constraints and recommended approaches.
This information allows clients to determine whether a project should proceed, be revised or reconsidered before incurring significant design and construction costs.
Our experience across industrial buildings, logistics facilities and food production environments allows us to assess feasibility within complex operational settings, including temperature-controlled and regulated food production environments. Clients receive a clear, evidence-based assessment that supports responsible development planning and investment decisions.
For more information about Feasibility Studies contact our head of client solutions Matthew.waldeck@ambreybaker.co.uk
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