Completed Projects

Internal & External Refurbishment Works at Kellys, Heathfield Road, Bromley, Kent

This is the Bromley office of Kellys.  It was acquired for the Practice in 1995 and required substantial refurbishment works.

Initially only essential works were carried out to the premises, to include a light refurbishment to allow for the relocation of our Bromley Office facility.

Originally constructed as a workshop for building and supplying coffins to the neighbouring cemetery, 1A Heathfield Road is a building with a unique local history. After changing hands several times over the decades, the property was acquired by Kelly’s Chartered Building Surveyors in 1995 to serve as the firm's first commercial headquarters. This new office address would serve Bromley, London, Kent and Sussex. 

At the time of acquisition, the building was a dilapidated shell that had fallen far below modern occupancy standards. Moreover, it was essentially a dark tunnel, which featured a long, narrow structure with no side elevation windows and little to no insulation in the walls or roof.

Therefore, to transform this historic building into a professional office space, Kelly Chartered Building Surveyors recognised that a light touch would not be enough; it required a complete structural overhaul, a visionary redesign, and a total restoration to bring it to life.

The Restoration & Project Management

Full-scale restoration works commenced in 1999, with Kelly’s Chartered Building Surveyors acting as both the Principal Designer and Project Manager. The team took full control of the contract administration and site supervision, ensuring that the complete overhaul of the office was executed to the highest professional standards.

The Façade & Architectural Reconstruction 

The original front elevation was in poor condition and did not fit into its surroundings, which needed complete demolition and façade reconstruction.

Therefore, to better suit the local Bromley street scene, Kellys redesigned the façade using high-quality red face bricks and Georgian windows, creating a professional and inviting presence.

This architectural transformation was highly successful, significantly enhancing the building's architectural beauty, which resulted in numerous compliments from neighbouring residents for its positive contribution to the character of Heathfield Road, Bromley.

In addition, all the elevation walls and chimney stack were completely repointed, with spalled brickwork repaired or replaced. The entire external elevation and roof were completely restored to the highest standard. 

New Welsh Slate and Velux Skylights 

Due to its advanced state of deterioration, the original roof was completely stripped and replaced with high-quality Welsh Slate, new lead flashings and new rainwater goods.

To improve the building’s environmental impact, Kellys integrated modern thermal insulation while making a conscious effort to preserve and expose the original internal timber beams, maintaining the site's structural character.

Most importantly, to solve the challenge of the deep, narrow floor plan, remote-controlled, motor-powered skylights were installed. This addition transformed the interior from a dark environment into a bright, airy workspace flooded with natural light, showcasing the ability to combine traditional materials with modern technology.

Internal Modernisation & Energy Efficiency

An important objective of the project was to transform the shell into a high-performance workspace. We achieved this by lining the internal walls with high-performance thermal insulation boarding.

While this resulted in a marginal reduction of internal floor space, the trade-off was a substantial increase in the building’s thermal efficiency and a significant reduction in long-term energy costs.

Furthermore, to improve the building's functionality, Kellys designed and constructed a single-storey rear extension to house modern WC and washing facilities. This was complemented by the installation of a bespoke kitchen area.

The building was completely overhauled, featuring a new gas-fired central heating system, a full electrical rewire, data points installed and high-quality plastering and carpeting throughout. 

The Finished Result 1997

The project was a success, delivered on time and strictly within budget. By acting as both the client and the lead surveyor, Kellys showcased the ability to manage a complex refurbishment of a dilapidated building into a modern, professional office.

Both the staff and visiting clients have been delighted with the transformation, which serves as a living portfolio of our commitment to quality and efficient project delivery.

Partner with 50 Years of Surveying Excellence

At Kellys Chartered Building Surveyors, we bring over five decades of experience to every project, specialising in the management of complex refurbishments and structural restorations. Whether you are planning a full-scale office overhaul in London or require expert advice on specific building surveying matters in Bromley, our team has the proven technical expertise to deliver your project on time and within budget.

Ready to transform your commercial space? Contact Us Today 

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Pictures of the office first floor facing towards the front of the building before and after the works were undertaken.

Pictures of the first floor facing towards the rear of the building before and after the works were undertaken.

Photos of the ground floor facing towards the front of the building before and after the works were undertaken.

Pictures of the front elevation before and after the works were undertaken.