Articles

SHW - Heating System Replacement and Modernisation of a Grade II Listed Residence

The SHW Building Consultancy Department was appointed as Contract Administrator for the replacement and modernisation of the heating system at Bishops House, Portsmouth. Situated adjacent to Portsmouth Cathedral, the Grade II Listed property serves as the residence of the Bishop of Portsmouth and local clergy. Constructed in 1884, the historic building required a sensitive approach to upgrade key building services while preserving its character and supporting its continued occupation.

20 October 2026

SHW - Car Park Remediation and Structural Refurbishment

SHW was appointed to oversee the remediation of a deteriorating first-floor parking deck at The Crown Building, Westerham. Persistent water ingress over a prolonged period had led to the deterioration of the deck structure, raising concerns around its long-term performance, waterproofing integrity and ongoing maintenance requirements.

19 October 2026

SHW - Invest in Croydon 2026: Turning Opportunity into Delivery

Croydon's investment story is entering a new chapter. After four years of rebuilding confidence and attracting more than £1.2 billion of inward investment, the conversation is shifting from vision to delivery. That transition will take centre stage at the Invest in Croydon Conference 2026, taking place on 12 November at TBXH, bringing together investors, developers, businesses, institutions, landowners and public sector leaders to explore the next phase of growth across the borough.

15 October 2026

SHW - Balcony Waterproofing and External Repairs Programme

Christchurch House is a six-storey Art Deco residential building in Brixton Hill, London, comprising 110 self-contained flats arranged around a central courtyard. The property had experienced ongoing issues associated with balcony waterproofing deterioration, water ingress, ageing external elements and general maintenance requirements across the building envelope. The client appointed SHW to provide Contract Administration and Principal Designer services, overseeing a comprehensive programme of balcony waterproofing, repairs, maintenance and redecoration works.

24 September 2026

SHW - Lease Expiry: Should I Stay or Should I Go?

For an occupier approaching a lease expiry or break option, the decision involves much more than comparing rents.

18 September 2026

SHW Volunteers Support Bears Wood for Fifth Consecutive Year

A team from SHW’s South London office returned to Bears Wood Camp Site in Croydon for the fifth year running, continuing their commitment to helping maintain and improve this well‑used community space.

16 September 2026

Ongoing planning delays and debt finance costs impacting South East development

SHW’s Q3 South East Development Focus reports that ongoing planning delays, rising information requirements and elevated debt finance costs are continuing to weigh on development activity and suppress prices being paid for sites across the region. Developers are becoming increasingly selective, prioritising prime locations unless a non‑prime opportunity offers a clear and compelling upside.

3 September 2026

Out‑of‑Town Retail Continues to Outperform as Demand Surges and Supply Tightens

The out‑of‑town retail sector has continued to outperform the wider retail market in the first half of 2026, demonstrating remarkable resilience despite ongoing economic headwinds, according to SHW’s Q3 2026 Out-of-Town Retail Focus, with consumer preference for convenience‑led formats, particularly for food and essential retail, remaining a key driver of this strong performance.

1 September 2026

Business Rates Reforms Signal Tighter Rules and Greater Scrutiny for Property Owners

Recent changes to Business Rates remind us that relying on historic practices may not deliver the best outcome.

27 August 2026