+ Project Description:

Clarke & Watt Building Consultancy was commissioned to undertake a selection of condition surveys of three existing buildings within the planned Digital Skills & Innovation Centre in Nuneaton. These buildings formed part of a town-centre regeneration initiative led by the client. Our assessment played a pivotal role in determining the feasibility of retaining and integrating the buildings into the wider redevelopment scheme.

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+ Scope of Work:

Our team carried out a comprehensive internal and external inspection of the buildings, comprising a mix of masonry and steel-framed structures. Key elements were surveyed, including the Structural fabrics, roof coverings and detailing, rainwater goods and drainage systems, chimneys, parapets, and steel supports. Advanced non-intrusive techniques, including drone-assisted roof inspections, enabled detailed observation of difficult-to-access areas.

All visible defects and signs of underlying deterioration were recorded, and further specialist investigations were recommended and undertaken where warranted. The findings were compiled into a detailed report, complete with condition assessments, priority repair recommendations, structural risk evaluations, costed remedial strategies, and a feasibility review comparing retention versus redevelopment options.

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+ Building Surveying & Feasibility:

This commission required specialist surveying expertise to analyse and evaluate structures dating back several decades. CWBC's multi-disciplinary approach ensured that both the current condition and long-term performance of the buildings were professionally assessed. Our recommendations supported the client’s commercial decision-making and enabled the design team to progress confidently into the next development phase.

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+ Key Challenges:

The buildings presented multiple age-related defects, including historical movement, corrosion of steel supports, water ingress, and extensive roof deterioration. As part of our reporting, we prioritised essential remedial actions, recommended structural strengthening, and proposed a phased repair strategy to support viability within budget constraints.

Though not listed, the buildings held local heritage value and contributed to the character of the regeneration area. We advocated for the retention of key architectural features, such as decorative masonry and vaulted ceilings, while recommending sympathetic modern interventions (e.g., Liquasil roof coatings) to enhance performance.

No original drawings or construction records were available for reference throughout the investigation process. Because of this, in-depth visual inspections with additional recommendations for targeted investigations were recommended, such as ultrasonic testing of basement reinforcement, to fill data gaps and ensure accurate structural insight.

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+ Conclusion:

The successful delivery of this complex surveying commission underlines Clarke & Watt Building Consultancy’s capability to support regeneration projects through detailed technical insight and strategic feasibility advice. By combining traditional building surveying with modern inspection techniques, we were able to produce a comprehensive condition analysis that met the client’s programme requirements and informed a critical phase of decision-making.

Our balanced approach, highlighting both the challenges and the opportunities of retention, enabled the design team to weigh the feasibility of the project against cost implications and sustainability objectives. Despite the limitations posed by the lack of historical documentation, CWBC's methodical and adaptive surveying methodology ensured no assumptions were made without evidential backing.

Ultimately, our report provided the client with a clear, actionable pathway for incorporating existing structures into the redevelopment in a way that respected their character. The outcome reinforced the value of early-stage technical due diligence and positioned the project for informed progress toward delivery. This case exemplifies CWBC’s commitment to quality, pragmatism, and collaborative problem-solving across regeneration and heritage-sensitive environments.