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retail, commercial & industrial
basements could provide a solution to uk cities offi ce squeeze – if managed correctly
Mike Jones, Head of UK Specialist Services at Peter Cox, looks at how basements can provide a cost-effective option for both businesses and landlords if managed correctly...
Half a decade on from the COVID-19 pandemic, more workers than ever are scaling back on ‘WFH’ in favour of ‘IRL’ interactions with colleagues. Some of this is driven by our social instincts, the allure of unlimited biscuits and the promise of air conditioning as the mercury rises, but much of it is mandated. Nearly half of employers have enforced a return to offi ce mandate or increased the number of days in the workplace, meaning the pressure on space in prime locations is becoming harder to ignore. Commercial landlords have sensed the opportunity, and record rents in London and other major cities like Manchester and Liverpool suggest the demand for high-quality offi ce space is beginning to outpace supply. So landlords and businesses that own their premises
(or have them on a long lease) are looking for smart – and cost-eff ective – ways to expand or adapt their physical workspace.
One solution gaining traction is the
conversion of basement and below- ground spaces. In cities where building out or up is limited by planning constraints, conservation concerns, or cost, utilising below-ground areas can signifi cantly increase a building’s usable footprint without altering its external profi le. These spaces can unlock much-needed capacity – think not just offi ce space, but storage or workshops, or transport-focused facilities like car and bike parks. If facilities managers can navigate maintenance requirements and demands correctly, an overlooked space can be reimagined as a valuable one.
Understanding the risks As basement conversions’ role in addressing the current offi ce shortage evolves, businesses are wising up to the technical challenges that need to be carefully planned for and managed. As always, the four main elements need
to be factored in: ventilation from above (air), structural adaptations to handle constraints from the ground (earth), safe access in case of emergency (fi re), and the ability to withstand water. Addressing waterproofi ng and
environmental resilience is crucial early in the design process. Basements are inherently more exposed to moisture due to surrounding soil and fl uctuating water tables, so site conditions and drainage need to be carefully assessed from the outset.
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