NEWS AND ARTICLES
Our Latest Projects
St John’s Seminary gets a new chapter in it’s architectural legacy
March 2023
DML is proud to be associated with the redevelopment of St John’s Seminary in the village of Wonersh, Surrey. The application for residential conversion was determined by Waverley Borough Council on 7 February 2024 and has been granted approval in accordance with officer recommendations.
The Grade II listed building was purchased in 2022 by an equity consortium led by DML as fund manager. The project is a joint venture with residential developers This is Home and Healey Land.
The site, a former Roman Catholic theological college, is set in a picturesque rural setting within the Surrey Hills and Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty but in close proximity to Guildford town centre (4 miles) and fast rail/road connections to London. The seminary buildings are of Flemish and Jacobean architecture and include the chapel, classrooms, library, administrative offices and residential quarters within 46 acres of gardens, farm land and woodland.
The Seminary closed its doors in 2021 marking the end of its long-standing history as a religious institution and needing to find a new purpose and chapter in its architectural legacy.
DML and our development partners have worked closely with the Council over the last 18 months to bring forward a sympathetic conversion and extension of the Seminary to create a harmonious residential scheme of 52 homes that achieve high specification and energy efficient standards. The mix incorporates town houses, lateral apartments, cottages and gate lodges with private and communal amenity space and associated landscaping, biodiversity enhancements and parking. The vision and proposed design led by James Taylor and award winning eco architects, Ecotecture, involved extensive public consultation with residents, the parish council and all stakeholders to ensure the scheme meets the needs of the local community as well as future occupiers.
Rachel Warren, DML’s development director, said “This is a great milestone in securing the preservation and revival of this wonderful heritage asset. An enormous thanks to our development partners and professional team on the journey so far”.
Sola Restaurant Re-opens in Soho
December 2023
DML were appointed as Project Manager by the Landlord after works had commenced. An intense review of works and design coordination was undertaken to allow the works to be delivered to programme, whilst maintaining the expected quality within the authorised budget.
The project was completed within 12 weeks to allow the restaurant to re-open in time for Christmas trade in 2023.
The brief for Sola Restaurant was to refurbish the existing space to create a private dining room, increase covers and enhance the kitchen facilities for the Michelin starred venue. This was acheived by reconfiguring the ground floor and extending the restaurant into the basement by installing a new feature staircase.
Justice Mill Studios Opens to Students
September 2023
The re-purposing and renovation of Justice Mill Studios completed and opened in September welcoming students in time for the new academic term. Originally a 128 bed Travelodge hotel, the building was converted to 101 student bedrooms in the city centre of Aberdeen.
Working on behalf of Client Sydney and London Properties, DML acted as Development Manager, Project Manager and Quantity Surveyor for the scheme. DML were responsible for managing the project through feasibility, planning, detailed design, tender and on site execution.
The 101 bed scheme also includes a comprehensive collection of amenity spaces, including cinema, gym, private dining room, student lounges, study spaces and games room. Justice Mill Studios now takes DML’s PBSA rooms delivered over 1000
The Mezz Lender Appoints DML on Portfolio of Projects
June 2023
DML have been appointed by development finance provider, The Mezz Lender, to provide strategic advisory and monitoring services across their portfolio. The projects are primarily residential lead and are in locations including Ealing, Kilburn and Birmingham on schemes ranging up to in excess of 200 units.
The below images are the CGIs for the 33-44 Northwood St project creating 40+ new homes within an old presswork in the heart of the prestigious Jewellery Quarter of Birmingham.
DML appointed by Swiss Government for London Embassy
April 2023
DML have been appointed by the Swiss Government to undertake Project Management, Quantity Surveying and Contract Administration roles for the restructuring of the Swiss Embassy in London. DML were successful through an open tender competition run by the Federal Office for Buildings and Logistics (FOBL) in Bern, Switzerland.
The Swiss Embassy in London has been centrally located in Marylebone for 100 years. After more than 50 years of operation in it’s current location and numerous adjustments made, the existing buildings, some of which are listed, need a complete renovation.
The project aims to take into account the values of a cosmopolitan and modern Switzerland, deal sensitively with the historical structure of the building and also reposition the Embassy at the heart of UK relations. One of the most important requirements will be to design in such a way that meets the demands of the different users of the building. In addition to the embassy, the ambassador's apartment and other apartments, the building also contains workspaces that are used by Switzerland Tourism and other Swiss stakeholders. By retaining the existing structural elements - in particular the external facades - the project keeps the redesign effort within limits, which will support in meeting the high sustainability ambitions of the Swiss Government.
The design team will be lead by architects Studio Dia based in Bern supported by a UK team which is currently being assembled.
Rory McGovern, Director of Development Management at DML said “we are delighted to have been successfully chosen to work with the Swiss Government in London. We are looking forward to working with the various project stakeholders in London and Switzerland to deliver the vision for the new Embassy.”
Josiane Imhof, PM Buildings Abroad at FOBL, Swiss Government said “DML were the strongest candidate we met through the tender process. They demonstrated not only an understanding of our vision for the design but could also interpret the necessary controls, processes and procedures that will be needed in order to deliver this publicly funded project on time and to budget."
Soho Revue Gallery Completes
April 2023
Located within the former St James and Soho Club, The Soho Revue Gallery is a space which support the client’s ambition to “bring the buzz of art back to the West End”. Working behind a listed façade, the project needed to create a space that would be welcoming to the public and adaptable for the rolling cycle of exhibitions that were planned. This involved creating large unobstructed spaces, adaptable lighting set ups and electrical supplies that could be accessed from different locations
As the project was a refurbishment from offices to a public gallery, making sure all the necessary public facing elements were catered for was essential to make it an attractive and enjoyable experience for the public to visit.
The project sat as part of the wider estate redevelopment known as Ilona Rose House. This included a signature 12 storey mixed used building on Charing Cross Road as well as residential apartments to the north of the Gallery. It was therefore critical that the Gallery was given sufficient care and attention to ensure hertigae aspects and quality were maintanted. In order to do this we ring fenced the gallery as a standalone package and tendered to specialist fit out contractors. This also allowed for the Gallery to be completed in
a phased manner.
Moira House gets planning at Eastbourne
10th October 2022
DML are pleased to be involved as equity investors in this prestigious scheme.
Moira House, known as Roedean Moira House School, came to market following permanent closure of the school in 2020. It sits within the Meads Conservation Area of Eastbourne within easy reach of the town centre and abutting the South Downs National Park.
A JV consortium led by AndCompany and Knightsbridge Capital secured exclusivity to purchase the site at the end of 2020. DML, along with a small group of investors, provided the equity to purchase the site and fund the re-development of the buildings for private residential use.
The professional team included Jo Saady of Ecotecture as Architect who has strong ecological credentials and experience in heritage assets.
The resulting proposal involved the sympathetic conversion of the three old school buildings into 52 homes comprising 33 apartments, 2 houses and 17 new build family houses with dedicated parking, landscaping, communal amenity space and play space. The development creates a new sense of place with a new street and three distinct Gothically influenced houses that retain the character of existing Moira House, Boston House and Dunn House. This is mixed with smaller units and timber barn influenced houses. A big rear car park was also key to the design and in keeping with resident needs. However, the car strategy hides the majority of parking provision in an undercroft with a large bee friendly green space to screen it.
The application was unanimously approved by Eastbourne Planning Committee in May 2022 after extensive and open public consultation Viability and S106 obligations have been closed out under Reserved Matters over the summer.
The project represents a healthy return for equity shareholders over an 18-month investment period. Work continues with DML on an exit strategy and wider procurement plan and delivery programme.
Ilona Rose House Level 8 Reaches Practical Completion
July 2022
The 8th Floor of Ilona Rose House completed today. Following the completion of the base build of Ilona Rose House, Soho Estates commissioned the fit out of the top floor of the building, level 8, to be their new offices.
The client brief was to create a dynamic and flexible workspace that encouraged movement and interaction. A space that captures the spirit of Soho - vibrant, colourful, with character - encouraging personal inventiveness and creativity.
The scheme was undertaken as traditional contract working with Faith Dean as the contractor, Matt architecture as the architect and Paula Leon as the interior designer.
Planning Consent for PBSA Conversion Obtained in Aberdeen
11th May 2022
DML have obtained a Planning Consent to convert a Travelodge Hotel in Aberdeen into Purpose Built Student Accommodation. Working with the owner and client, Sydney and London Properties Limited, DML have managed a design team over the last year to secure a change of use permission for a 107 bedroom luxury scheme. The conversion will deliver generous amenity spaces including club lounges, study rooms, gym, cinema, laundry, private dining room, communal facilities, cycle storage and meeting rooms.
The scheme is sympathetic to the existing building in order to achieve as little disruption as possible. It is hoped that this site can be the first of many such conversions, providing a more sustainable means of modern student accommodation.
Sydney & London Properties Limited Chairman Richard Anning said “ we have worked with DML on several projects in the past and they continue to provide a comprehensive and personalised service to a very high standard”.
DML Director Rachel Warren said “we are delighted to have achieved this important milestone in the project. Delivering high quality purpose built student accommodation is a sector in which DML have specialised in recent years. To enable the refurbishment and repurposing of buildings as well for owners and clients is something that is going to become ever more important with the green agenda and circular economy.”
The full team was made up of :
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TP Bennett – Architects and Interior Designers,
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Rydens – Planning Consultants
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DSSR – MEP
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Curtins – Structural Engineers,
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CPMC – Daylighting and Sun lighting,
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CSP – Noise consultants
12 - 13 Greek Street reaches Practical Completion
26th April 2022
Practical completion for the eight affordable apartments at 12-13 Greek Street within the wider Soho Estates development of Ilona Rose House was achieved at the beginning of April.
Previously known as Portland House, the building dates from the 17th century, having been re-fronted with stucco in the early to mid-19th century. The scheme retains the façade of the existing building, and extends the building by one level.
Four levels of two bed apartments plus roof top plant are provided. At ground floor, a cycle and bin store are provided for residents. A paved pedestrian walkway has been created linking the entrance at Greek Street to the new James Court area – this will be a new bustling courtyard for restaurants and cafés on completion of the wider development.
Straits Garden, Egham
4th August 2021
DML have been appointed as Employer’s Agent on the Purpose Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) scheme on Egham High Street. DML will work on behalf of the Joint Venture between Q Investment Partners (QIP) and HG Developments.
The proposed development comprises the demolition of 40 – 44a High Street Egham and the erection of a TP Bennett designed four storey building comprising of 107 student units along with ancillary student facilities along with two flexible commercial units (A1-A3) with a combined GIA floorspace of 239sqm. The scheme will be built by HG Developments construction arm, HG Construction.
Due for completion in time for the 2022 academic intake, the scheme will provide state of the art accommodation for students of Royal Holloway University situated 1 mile from the site.
The appointment continues DML’s relationship with QIP following the delivery of Straits Manor in Sheffield in 2019 and Straits Village in Nottingham in 2021.
Straits Medow, Edinburgh
3rd August 2021
DML have been working on behalf of Q Investment Partners (QIP) as Project Monitor for the Purpose Build Student Accommodation scheme on London Road in Edinburgh. A joint venture between QIP and HG Developments, DML have been acting on behalf of the Singapore based fund reviewing construction progress and construction commercial performance.
Phase 1 of the Jefferson Sheard Ltd designed scheme consisting of 198 beds is due to be delivered in time for the 2021 academic intake. The scheme is being delivered by Clark Contracts.
Phase 2 has recently received planning approval and will consist of a further 76 beds and be completed for the 2022 academic intake. DML will continue their Project Monitoring role on Phase 2 as well.
The appointment continues DML’s relationship with QIP following the delivery of Straits Manor in Sheffield in 2019 and Straits Village in Nottingham in 2021.
Ilona Rose House
Ilona Rose House Shell and Core Achieves Practical Completion
21st May 2021
Under a Construction Management contract, with Sir Robert McAlpine, Phase 2 Shell and Core of Ilona Rose House successfully reached Practical Completion in May 2021 on time and on budget.
DML’s Project Management and Quantity Surveying team now enter management of Phase 3 with Faithdean, which consists of highways works, Landlord and tenant fit outs.
Huntingdon Street Completes
17th June 2021
The 123 Huntingdon Street Project, now known as Straits Village, completed in March 2021. DML acted as Development Manager, Project Manager, Quantity Surveyor and Employers Agent on behalf of Client Q Investment Partners based in Singapore.
It marks the end of a 4-year engagement which saw DML involved in the land purchase, planning application and approval, design process, procurement and managing the contractor on site. DML were also an investor in the scheme itself.
The project has delivered 300 high-quality purpose-built student accommodation rooms in a campus style scheme with a range of communal spaces including lounge, study, games room, cinema, private dining room and sky lounge. The quality of the project was of the upmost importance with the scheme now marketed under the Prestige Student Living Brand of operator Homes for Students. Rooms will cost from £150 to £199 per week targeted at students of both Nottingham Trent University and the University of Nottingham.
DML were heavily involved throughout the project with the development finance process and monthly drawdowns with Maslow Capital and the transfer to investment finance facility with Invesco in April 2021.
The scheme was designed by Glenn Howells with Structa providing Structural and Civil Engineering and March Ltd the MEP engineering services.
Courtyard view of 123 Huntingdon Street Project
View of proposed colonnade from Aldgate East Station entrance.
Planning Application submitted for major office redevelopment in the heart of Aldgate
25th January 2021
We are proud to be involved in a revised planning application submitted in December 2020 to the London Borough of Tower Hamlets on behalf of Alliance Properties & South Street Asset Management. DML has led the planning process for the regeneration of an under-utilised site on the corner of Commercial Street and Whitechapel High Street into a world class, commercial development designed by leading architects, Foster + Partners. The scheme incorporates 350,000 ft² of grade A office floor space including 40,000 ft² of affordable work space and a vibrant mix of retail and public realm at ground level that will benefit the local community. The site is conveniently located next to Aldgate East underground station and with easy access to the forthcoming opening of the new Whitechapel Crossrail station.
This high quality landmark scheme is driven by continued demand from technology, media, finance and telecoms occupiers who are attracted to invest and locate in the heart of Aldgate.
The planning application for 101 Whitechapel High Street is expected to be determined during Q2 2021. Further details and our vision for the community can be viewed here.
Ilona Rose House
Construction Continues at Ilona Rose House
25th January 2020
DML is engaged as project manager and quantity surveyor for this landmark scheme located on the corner of Charing Cross Road and Manette Street. The 300,000 ft² new-build, mixed-use scheme is well underway with another major milestone soon to be achieved by GIG Fassaden, who are delivering a bespoke moulded GRC and pressed bronze face.
25th April 2019
On April 18th, we celebrated the topping out of our new Purpose-Built Student Accommodation building under construction in Sheffield with main contractor Bowmer & Kirkland. The scheme, known as Straits Manor, sits on West Street, perfectly placed for students wanting the convenience of being close to university campus but with the buzz and independence of city centre living. This is an important milestone for the project and marks the completion of the superstructure. Works now progress through the summer to complete the remaining fit out ahead of official opening in September 2019.
DML Project Manager Rory McGovern said “This is an exciting landmark for DML and our investment partner, QIP, who are funding this development. Focus can now turn to curating the internal space and delivering high quality bedrooms and all-inclusive facilities that will create a real sense of community”.
Straits Manor is a 284 bed PBSA scheme located between the University of Sheffield and Sheffield Hallam University on West Street. The design incorporates both studio and en-suite bedrooms, in-house cinema, gym, private dining, games and study rooms, outdoor courtyard space and cycle parking. DML is acting as development manager for Q Investment Partners, a Singapore based investment fund. We are also delivering a 300 bed PBSA scheme in Nottingham which is due for completion in September 2020.
Huntington Street
15th November 2019
On Monday, 4 November 2019, Straits Manor achieved Practical Completion (PC). DML assisted QIP in the role of project manager, quantity surveyor, and development manager to deliver the scheme alongside main contractor, Bowmer and Kirkland. The site provides 284 premium student beds on West Street, in the heart of Sheffield.
The site is now fully operational. For further enquiries, contact the facility operator, Prestige Living. Please click here to access their website.
Huntington Street
Huntington Street Takes Shape
11th November 2019
Main contractor, Robertson is progressing well with the erection of Huntingdon Street's concrete frame. The Nottingham scheme will comprise 300 student beds over 4 buildings, with the 5-storey building soon to top-out, and the 8-storey marker building following closely behind. The completion of the concrete works will mark a significant milestone in the project programme, with the brickwork, window, and services packages to commence shortly after. The project is on track for its planned launch September 2020.
Huntington Street