Historic buildings deserve a future.

This week, Parliament's Culture, Media and Sport Committee called for a 'Reuse First' approach to historic buildings, encouraging the restoration and adaptation of existing buildings before demolition or replacement is considered. While these are currently recommendations rather than legislation, they reflect a growing recognition of the environmental, cultural and economic value of bringing historic buildings back into active use.

The decision to preserve and reuse these buildings belongs to clients, designers and planning authorities. Our role is to help turn that vision into reality.

Over the years, we've been privileged to deliver a number of projects that have given significant historic buildings a new lease of life.

At The Malthouse Performing Arts Centre for The King's School, Canterbury, a former 19th-century malting house was transformed into an award-winning 384-seat theatre. Historic features were carefully retained and reinstated while modern performance spaces and specialist theatre infrastructure were seamlessly integrated.

At Chatham Historic Dockyard, we refurbished the Grade I listed Fitted Rigging House, built in 1793 as a Royal Navy rigging store. Working for the Chatham Historic Dockyard Trust, the project created commercial office accommodation, conservation studios, workshops, teaching spaces, a volunteer centre and a nationally important maritime archive, ensuring this remarkable building could once again play an active role in daily life.

In Covent Garden, we delivered the refurbishment of a Grade II listed building on Flitcroft Street, creating high-quality office accommodation within one of London's most constrained locations. Modern interventions, including a contemporary glass lift and new circulation spaces, were carefully introduced while preserving the building's historic character.

Every heritage project presents different challenges, whether it's structural alterations, conservation of original fabric, integrating modern services or working within occupied and highly constrained environments.

These are the projects we enjoy delivering, helping clients breathe new life into historic buildings while respecting the craftsmanship and history that make them special.

As conversations around 'Reuse First' continue to evolve, we're proud to support clients who choose to invest in the future of our built heritage.