Midland Heart - Conversion of disused building into family homes

Midland Heart is a Birmingham-based housing organisation that owns and manages 34,000 homes across the Midlands.

In 2019, J Tomlinson was appointed to Midland Heart’s Refurbishment and Small Works framework, which aims to regenerate Midland Heart’s redundant stock and created much-needed general needs housing.

This unique and highly collaborative framework sees J Tomlinson working with Midland Heart and the client’s nominated architect and cost consultant to review the current state of a property and propose alternative, cost-effective uses for the property (e.g. repurpose, sell or demolish) based on feasibility and design studies and projected lifecycle costs.

One such property is Wellington House – a former single-occupancy hostel based in North West Birmingham that had been vacant for quite some time. Following close consultation with the client’s architect, John Hill Associates,
it was proposed to Midland Heart’s Special Asset Management Group (SAMG) that the building be converted into two four-bedroom domestic dwellings via a 16-week refurbishment and remodelling programme.

Collaborative Working
J Tomlinson met with the client and their design team on a weekly basis to ensure all parties were kept abreast of the project’s progress. A thorough planning-process helped ensure the smooth running of the project.

As part of the contract, J Tomlinson also negotiated and oversaw
the arrangement of new utilities services to be supplied to the new properties.

A Considerate Approach
The building is situated on a main road surrounded by residential and business dwellings, with a hostel for fostered children immediately next door. Prior to starting works on site, J Tomlinson visited neighbouring properties to inform occupants of the works that would soon be taking place, with key updates communicated at each key stage of the project.

J Tomlinson ensured the safety and wellbeing of the public, site workers and visitors via adherence to a robust site management plan. As well as erecting safety fencing to segregate the work site, we also employed noise and dust minimisation techniques to reduce any potential disruption.

COVID-19 Safe Working
As the scheme took place during the COVID-19 pandemic, J Tomlinson’s project programme was specifically tailored to facilitate controlled social distancing and protect staff and visitors by reducing the risk of infection spread. This included specific toolbox talks delivered around the importance of sanitation, segregation of access and egress points, as well
as the introduction of new temporary WC facilities.

On Budget Completion
The project was handed over to a high standard, and in line with
Midland Heart’s budget, gaining commendation from our client.

Both properties feature four bedrooms, a first-floor bathroom and a generous garden area, and are now occupied by local families.

ON BUDGET COMPLETION – Achieved via thorough planning and efficient project management

STRONG PARTNERSHIP - Having worked in partnership with Midland Heart for over five years, J Tomlinson is familiar with our client’s vision and approach, which was particularly crucial to the success of this scheme, which relied upon close collaboration and a key understanding of the social housing sector and the local area

COVID-19 SAFE WORKING – Excellent risk management and a stringent approach to health and safety ensured that all works were carried out in adherence to COVID-19 government guidelines, helping to prevent infection spread