Trinity House, Green Lane

Project Overview

Location: Green Lane

Property Type: Grade II Listed Former Office Block

Purchase Price: £170,000

Build & Fees: £320,000

Gross Development Value: £580,000

Status: Complete

Timeline: 8 months from planning to handover

Deliverables: 8-studio HMO for professionals and students

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Uncovering Hidden Potential

When The Berry Group first encountered Trinity House, the Grade II-listed former office block on Green Lane represented an exceptional opportunity and a significant challenge. Beneath years of unsympathetic office conversions and utilitarian alterations lay a building of remarkable character and historical significance, waiting to be rediscovered and reimagined for contemporary living.

Our team recognised the property's listed status as a valuable asset that would ultimately differentiate the completed development in a competitive market. With our established expertise in heritage properties and commitment to creating distinctive living environments, The Berry Group was uniquely positioned to transform this undervalued asset into exceptional accommodation.

Our initial assessment revealed architectural elements of significant historical value concealed behind modern partitions and suspended ceilings. Rather than viewing these discoveries as complications, we embraced them as opportunities to create living spaces with authentic character and narrative depth, qualities increasingly sought after by tenants in the property development sector.

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Heritage-Led Development Approach

Working with Grade II-listed buildings demands specialised knowledge, patience, and a genuine appreciation for historical architecture. For Trinity House, we implemented a heritage-led development strategy that placed conservation at the heart of our approach while still delivering commercially viable outcomes:

• Extensive historical research was conducted to understand the building's original features and evolution over time

• Close collaboration with conservation officers established a shared vision for sensitive adaptation

• Specialised heritage consultants advised on appropriate materials and techniques

• Traditional craftspeople were engaged for elements requiring authentic restoration methods

• Modern interventions were designed to be distinguishable from yet complementary to original features

This approach ensured compliance with listed building regulations and created a development with distinctive character that would command premium rental values and attract tenants seeking accommodation beyond the ordinary. As a construction company near me for many Derby residents, we take pride in enhancing local architectural heritage while creating functional modern living spaces.

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The Revelation Process: Strip-Out and Discovery

The initial strip-out phase represented more than mere demolition: a carefully orchestrated archaeological process of revealing and documenting the building's historical layers. Our experienced team methodically removed modern additions, documenting each discovery and adjusting plans accordingly:

• Original architectural features were carefully uncovered, assessed, and protected during subsequent construction

• Historic materials were salvaged where possible for reuse within the development

• Specialist engineers evaluated structural elements in heritage buildings

• Unexpected discoveries were approached as opportunities rather than obstacles

The exposed brick and sandstone blocks on the lower ground floor emerged as striking features. Rather than concealing these elements behind modern finishes, we recognised their potential to create spaces of exceptional character. These authentic materials would provide a connection to the building's history that no modern imitation could match.

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Balancing Preservation with Adaptation

Transforming a former office block into multiple residential studios presented significant technical challenges, particularly given the constraints of the listed building status. Our design team implemented creative solutions that respected the building's heritage while meeting contemporary requirements:

• Original room proportions were maintained wherever possible, with new partitions positioned to preserve the legibility of historic spaces

• Service installations (electrical, plumbing, heating) were routed to minimise impact on the historic fabric

• Modern facilities were integrated discreetly, often contained within new interventions that read clearly as contemporary additions

• Thermal and acoustic performance was enhanced through reversible interventions that respect the building's breathable construction

This balanced approach delivered living spaces that combine historical character with the comfort and functionality expected by today's residents. Our commercial property development expertise enabled us to navigate the complex requirements of creating modern living environments within a protected historical structure.

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Distinctive Design: Creating Unique Living Environments

While many developers approach HMOs with standardised layouts and specifications, The Berry Group recognised the opportunity to create something exceptional at Trinity House. Our design approach embraced the building's features, turning potential constraints into distinctive features:

• Each studio was individually designed to respond to its specific architectural context

• Varying ceiling heights were celebrated rather than disguised, creating dramatic spatial experiences

• Original windows were meticulously restored, providing abundant natural light and period character

• The exposed brick and sandstone on the lower ground floor became focal points around which living spaces were organised

This bespoke approach resulted in eight uniquely characterful studios, each with its own identity while sharing a coherent design language. Trinity House allows residents to live in genuinely individual spaces with authentic historical character.

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Craftsmanship and Attention to Detail

The Berry Group's commitment to quality is evident throughout Trinity House in the exceptional standard of craftsmanship applied to both restoration and new elements:

• Original joinery was carefully restored by specialist woodworkers who matched historical techniques

• New joinery, created by our Urban Bespoke Interiors division, was designed to complement original elements while reading as contemporary

• Plasterwork repairs were executed using traditional lime-based materials compatible with the building's construction

• Contemporary fixtures and fittings were selected for their quality and appropriateness to the historical context

• Every intervention, whether historical or modern, was executed with meticulous attention to detail

This commitment to craftsmanship ensures aesthetic quality, longevity, and reduced maintenance requirements, critical factors in delivering sustainable returns from property investments.

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Creating Commercial Success Through Quality

Trinity House exemplifies The Berry Group's core belief that commercial success and design quality are complementary rather than contradictory objectives. By creating accommodation of exceptional character and quality, we established a compelling market position that delivers premium rental values and reduced void periods:

• The development's distinctive character and authentic historical features create powerful marketing advantages

• High-quality finishes and thoughtful design details justify premium rental rates

• The building's unique story and heritage status attract tenants seeking accommodation with personality and provenance

• The variety of studio configurations appeals to a diverse tenant pool, reducing exposure to market fluctuations

This approach transformed a £170,000 acquisition into a £580,000 asset, a 241% increase in value that validates our commitment to quality-driven development.

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Efficient Project Management

Completing the transformation of a Grade II-listed building into eight distinctive studios within eight months demonstrates The Berry Group's exceptional project management capabilities. This efficiency was achieved through several key factors:

• Comprehensive pre-acquisition due diligence that anticipated heritage-related requirements

• Early engagement with conservation officers to establish a collaborative approach

• Detailed project planning that accounted for the specific challenges of listed building work

• Established relationships with specialist subcontractors experienced in heritage properties

• The advantages of our integrated business model, with architecture, construction, and interior design teams working in close coordination

This efficient delivery minimised holding costs during the development phase and accelerated the transition to income generation, which are critical factors in maximising return on investment. As construction and property development specialists in Derby, we've refined our processes to deliver exceptional quality within optimised timeframes.

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Long-Term Value Creation

Beyond the immediate transformation in capital value, Trinity House represents significant long-term value creation through:

• Enhanced building condition that ensures sustainability for future generations

• High-quality materials and workmanship that reduce lifecycle maintenance costs

• Distinctive character that insulates the property from market commoditisation

• Contribution to local heritage that builds positive community relationships

• Environmentally responsible approach to reuse rather than replacement

This long-term perspective characterises The Berry Group's approach to property development: creating assets that deliver sustained returns while positively contributing to the built environment.

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Conclusion

Trinity House is a testament to The Berry Group's distinctive approach to property development. This approach values quality, character, and authenticity as drivers of commercial success rather than obstacles. By investing in thoughtful design and exceptional craftsmanship, we created living spaces that residents choose not simply for convenience but for the quality of life they enable.

This project demonstrates why The Berry Group has established itself as a heritage property development and construction leader across the Midlands. Our ability to see potential where others might not, our commitment to quality even in competitive market segments, and our efficient project delivery collectively create exceptional outcomes for investors, residents, and the wider community.

For those seeking a construction company near me with expertise in both commercial property development and heritage restoration, Trinity House exemplifies how The Berry Group transforms architectural challenges into distinctive, high-value living environments that stand the test of time.