youngsRPS Commercial Brochure - Flipbook - Page 11
the scope of renovation required, and determining whether
planning consent is needed.
Engage Stakeholders Early
Engage relevant stakeholders early in the process, including
local authorities, architects, and potential tenants. Early
engagement can help expedite the planning process and
avoid delays.
Secure Planning Permission
For properties being repurposed for alternative uses, securing
the right planning permission is crucial. This may involve
converting office space into residential units, retail spaces
into leisure venues, or, as in the case of Dakota Hotel,
transforming commercial offices into a luxury hotel.
Renovation and Conversion
Once permission is in place, the next step is renovation
and conversion. Collaborating with experienced architects,
interior designers, and builders ensures that the property
is transformed to meet the needs of the new use, while
maintaining or enhancing its value.
Marketing the New Space
Effective marketing is essential to attract the right tenants
or buyers. Highlighting the unique features of the newly
repurposed property and how it serves current market
demands can help position the property for success.
In March 2025, Dakota Hotels officially opened its doors to
a 118-room boutique hotel at St. Ann’s Wharf, overlooking
the River Tyne. The Dakota Newcastle boasts a range of
luxury amenities, including The Grill restaurant, a Champagne
Room, a Cigar Terrace, and various versatile meeting spaces.
The hotel has quickly become a significant addition to the
city’s hospitality scene, adding substantial value to the
Quayside and helping to drive tourism and business travel to
Newcastle.
This success highlights the potential benefits of repurposing
commercial property. Property owners considering similar
initiatives should follow a strategic, step-by-step approach to
ensure the project is viable and effective:
Assess Current Market Conditions
Understand the local property market and the demand for
alternative uses. Engaging with local experts can help gauge
which sectors are seeing growth (such as hospitality, retail,
or leisure) and which properties are in demand.
Evaluate the Property’s Potential
Assess the physical and financial feasibility of repurposing
the property. This includes evaluating structural elements,
Paul Fairlamb adds, “Repurposing properties can breathe new
life into underutilised spaces, but it requires careful planning.
Being open to different uses for properties and having the
foresight to see beyond traditional functions can unlock real
value.”
youngsRPS continues to be a trusted advisor for clients
navigating the complexities of the commercial property
market. From strategic sales and lettings to development
consultancy, we ensure that property owners can maximise
their assets and adapt to ever-changing market conditions.
“We need to offer flexible,
creative solutions and advise
clients not just on today’s market,
but how to future-proof their
investments.”
