Merlin

Quattro worked with Merlin to create a partnership with the local council that allowed us to express the vision for the redevelopment programme to key members of South Gloucestershire Council from the very early stages. The progression of the potential development sites and their unit mix has been an ongoing process within which Quattro’s affordable housing architects have played a key role.

These schemes are often highly immersive. Being involved in the initial viability assessments, of every regeneration scheme, is critical to delivering the maximum potential. We are highly experienced in this area. Our input can include discussions from an early stage regarding potential value engineering, improving financial viability through to the provision of private housing and on larger sites, exploring joint venture options with private developers.

A clear partnership between all key members led to a strong working relationship between the Design Team and the Local Planning Authority, resulting in the ability to obtain significant early planning advice quickly and easily. This ensured that 11 planning approvals were received, totalling over 100 units. Out of these, only one application was required to go to planning committee. The flagship scheme, which yielded 39 units has recently been completed with contracts signed for Phase 1, which will see the construction of a further 72 dwellings

Each phase of development was assessed for financial viability, rather than each individual site, meaning that it was possible to significantly improve the viability of Phase I when suggesting the inclusion of a nearby garage site. This amendment added 7 units to the phase and helped to ensure the viability of the scheme.

Consultation has been key to the success of this project. Always an integral part of our process, Consultation, with this project, has been to create a strategy from the ground up, in line with the exact aspirations of the client. This approach ensured that across 11 planning applications in Phase I – we received only two objections.

Quattro has played an integral part in the redevelopment of Merlin’s (now Bromford) existing PRC stock. The range of our work has spanned from initial redevelopment and refurbishment viability assessments, through to creating Sustainability Standards and Standard House-types. Quattro’s affordable housing architects were retained through novation for the production of the technical drawings package for Phase I of development.

To learn more about our specialist housing architects, click here.