Key Project Facts
Location – Billingshurst, West Sussex
Project Type – Commercial Fit-Out & Change of Use (Healthcare)
Services – Architectural Design, Planning & Building Regulations, Construction Project Management & Contract Administration
Client – Meadows Wellbeing
Build Timeline – 4 months
Project Value – Circa £250k+
Project Overview
Meadows Wellbeing purchased the former NatWest Bank building on Billingshurst High Street with the aim of transforming the redundant commercial premises into a welcoming Osteopathy and Wellbeing Centre.
The property required full change-of-use planning permission and a comprehensive refurbishment, balancing the charm of the existing structure with the functionality, accessibility, and compliance requirements of a modern healthcare environment.
Minniedale Projects was appointed to provide Architecture, Building Project Management and Contract Administration services, guiding the project from design development through to delivery and completion.
Our Role
Minniedale Projects’ involvement began at the architectural design stage, preparing all drawings required to support the change-of-use planning application. Once planning approval was granted, we oversaw the project as Building Project Manager and Contract Administrator, providing independent oversight throughout the refurbishment.
Key responsibilities included:
- Preparing a detailed Schedule of Works to define project scope and enable accurate tendering
- Managing the competitive tender process and negotiating contractor pricing to achieve best value
- Coordinating Building Control inspections and ensuring full compliance with accessibility and regulatory standards
- Overseeing specialist works, including asbestos removal and restoration of the Horsham stone roof, preserving key architectural features
- Monitoring construction progress, programme, and quality to ensure delivery on time and within budget
- Acting as the primary point of contact for the client, ensuring clear communication and structured decision-making throughout
Project Challenges
Transforming a former high street bank into a healthcare facility presented several challenges:
- Change-of-use planning approval: The building needed to meet healthcare standards while respecting the existing structure
- Specialist works: Asbestos removal and restoration of the Horsham stone roof required careful planning and supervision
- Accessibility compliance: Ensuring modern disability access standards were integrated without compromising the building’s character
- Time constraints: A compact 4-month programme demanded careful coordination to maintain schedule and quality
Through proactive building project management and contract administration, these challenges were successfully managed, ensuring compliance, quality and timely completion.
Independent Project Management & Client Assurance
As an independent consultancy, Minniedale Projects provided objective advice and transparent oversight, giving the client confidence throughout the project lifecycle.
Our role as Building Project Manager and Contract Administrator ensured cost control, programme management and regulatory compliance, while maintaining open communication with the client at every stage.
Outcome
The completed Meadows Wellbeing Centre now provides a modern, accessible and functional healthcare environment tailored to both practitioners and patients.
The refurbishment successfully transformed a disused commercial property into a thriving Osteopathy and Wellbeing Centre, enhancing the local community and improving patient experience.
Minniedale Projects’ involvement ensured a smooth delivery from planning approval through to handover, meeting programme and budget targets while maintaining design and quality standards.
“Having taken on a project to buy and develop a commercial property requiring change-of-use planning and full refurbishment, I found Chris at Minniedale to be very professional, always available to discuss the project by phone, proactive with design aspects, and a great support throughout the process. All work was completed to a high standard, and as project manager, Chris made sure the refurbishment was completed on time and within budget.”
– Jon Meadows, Owner at Meadows Wellbeing
Building Project Management Services in Surrey
Minniedale Projects provides independent building project management and contract administration services across Sussex, Surrey and Hampshire, supporting commercial and residential projects from planning through to completion.
If you are planning a refurbishment, change-of-use development, or commercial fit-out and require an experienced Building Project Manager or Contract Administrator, contact Minniedale Projects to discuss your project.
Learn more about our construction project management services.
