Feasibility studies are beneficial in the very early stages of a project, especially for large or complex projects, or where there is some doubt regarding the viability of the proposed development, and we focus on getting the concept to work with the site to enhance a good concept into a good design.
The Feasibility and Site Master Planning would be carried out in two stages:
- 1. Outline Site Appraisal
- 2. Full Feasibility
Developing the site appraisal into options and site master planning set against technical, environmental, statutory, and cost requirements.
- 1. Outline Site Appraisals
When a full feasibility study is not required a building massing sketch and site masterplan will be required to inform decision making and site selection to inform the suitability of the site and to de-risk the project.
- Desktop study of site history
- Site ownership and title
- Desktop appraisal of potential hazardous substances
- Desktop environmental assessment
- Photographic Study
- Assessment of local planning requirements
- Site context and constraints, including access, boundary conditions, levels, landscape, ecology, transport, and highways.
- Block layout / massing study
- Identify Planning risks and abnormals
- Coordination of Costs / programme, development risks with relevant consultants
- 2. Full Feasibility
Development of the Brief, and Outline Site Appraisal further testing various options to prove that the given brief is feasible set against the cost profile required to achieve the best value for the project.
- Provide technical advice in the development of the project vision and test against possible solutions
- Developing the options leading to an affordable and deliverable control site option.
- Liaising with Planning Authorities and other statutory bodies such as English Heritage, through the pre-application process when necessary to obtain a letter of planning comfort.
- Procure and manage any required surveys.
- Agree any decant and phasing strategies.
- Preparing the technical elements of the feasibility study. These technical elements include:
- A site block plan of the proposed site and its location.
- Schedules of accommodation
- Concept design (control option) to provide the basic required accommodation and site works in line with the capital budget for the development.
- Phasing diagrams (if applicable) for future proofing.
- Formal response from the planning authority to the site proposals.
- Temporary accommodation strategy
- Coordination of costs/abnormals, programme, risk, warranties, and ICT requirements with relevant consultants as required.
The feasibility study is presented in a way that can clearly enable the Client to decide whether to continue with the project to the next stage of Developed Design.