Saltram House Visitor Welcome Centre and Accessibility Improvements
Ashington Hill Provided:
- Feasibility Studies
- Strategic Cost Planning
- Quantity Surveying
- Development Consultancy
- Budget Development
- Option Appraisal
- Risk Management
- Procurement Advice
- Heritage Cost Consultancy
Project Overview
Ashington Hill was appointed to provide feasibility, strategic cost planning and development consultancy services for the proposed redevelopment and enhancement of visitor facilities at Saltram House.
The project formed part of a wider initiative to improve the visitor experience through the refurbishment of existing facilities, enhancement of visitor welcome areas, accessibility improvements and the introduction of a dedicated Changing Places facility.
Located within one of the South West’s most significant historic estates, the project required careful consideration of heritage, accessibility, operational and commercial requirements to ensure that future improvements could be delivered while respecting the historic significance of the site.
The Challenge
The project required the development of a robust feasibility study and cost plan to support future investment decisions and project development.
Key project considerations included:
- Refurbishment of visitor welcome facilities
- New Changing Places accessibility provision
- Café and visitor experience improvements
- Bespoke joinery and specialist heritage materials
- Mechanical and electrical infrastructure upgrades
- Integration of modern facilities within a historic setting
- Accessibility and inclusive design requirements
- Operational continuity during future construction works
- Heritage and conservation constraints
The client required independent commercial advice to establish a realistic project budget and understand the risks associated with delivering improvements within a nationally significant heritage environment.
Our Approach
Ashington Hill undertook a detailed review of the proposed development options and worked closely with the project team to establish a realistic and deliverable budget framework.
Our services included:
- Development of elemental cost plans
- Review of proposed design solutions
- Heritage construction cost benchmarking
- Risk identification and contingency planning
- Option appraisal and budget comparisons
- Procurement strategy recommendations
- Assessment of project phasing opportunities
- Review of operational and construction risks
Particular consideration was given to the complexities associated with heritage construction, specialist materials, accessibility requirements and the integration of modern services within a historic estate environment.
Outcome
Ashington Hill delivered a comprehensive feasibility and cost planning exercise that provided the project team with a clear understanding of likely project costs, risks and delivery considerations.
Our involvement enabled:
- Improved budget certainty
- Early identification of project risks
- Better informed investment decisions
- Strategic project planning
- Enhanced understanding of procurement options
- A robust financial framework for future design development
- Greater confidence in project viability
Client Benefits
- Independent commercial advice
- Improved budget certainty
- Heritage project expertise
- Strategic project planning
- Early identification of project risks
- Procurement and delivery guidance
- Support for future funding and investment decisions
Project Highlights
- Nationally significant heritage setting
- Visitor experience enhancement project
- Accessibility and Changing Places provision
- Heritage refurbishment and adaptation
- Strategic cost planning and feasibility advice
- Risk management and procurement strategy
Photo Attribution: This photo is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic license.
About Ashington Hill
Ashington Hill is a RICS regulated Chartered Construction Consultancy providing Quantity Surveying, Project Management, Contract Administration, Employer’s Agent and Development Consultancy services.
We support heritage organisations, charities, developers and private clients throughout the UK, helping clients understand project viability, manage risk and make informed investment decisions before progressing into design and construction.
From feasibility studies and strategic cost planning through to procurement and project delivery, we provide independent advice that supports successful project outcomes.