The team at HPA has worked on numerous community-focused projects, for local authorities, community groups, church groups and charities.
Whether new-build developments, or work to refurbish and extend existing buildings, we have the expertise to help make your project a reality. Our knowledge of the planning system can help voluntary organisations open up new income streams, for example, by applying for a change of use to enable food and retail operations on site.
We are also able to draw on our knowledge and experience of working with historic buildings to offer high-quality advice.
Community and public buildings
From church halls and community centres to libraries and museums, our team has worked on a diverse portfolio of community projects.
While technology and modern living may have changed the way we use public services and community buildings, we work with local authorities, community groups and community interest companies to find new ways to utilise old buildings.
Lottery and grant-funded projects
We have supported numerous clients, particularly churches and local dioceses, to gain grant funding for building projects and conservation work.
Our knowledge of the different grant-funding agencies and their funding criteria and requirements, has helped a number of such projects come to fruition.
Charities and voluntary sector
We have worked with charities and voluntary organisations to draw up plans and gain planning permission for new-build projects and major refurbishment and extension projects.
Often our work in this area is aimed at supporting major fundraising efforts to enable such projects to go ahead.
Accessible building design
Part of our work with historic buildings, involves helping them become compliant with modern laws on accessibility and equality. For example, we can advise clients on the introduction of accessible entrances, lifts and toilets, as well as a range of other disabled facilities.
On new-build projects we can offer advice to clients on designing buildings for older people, for example Extra Care homes and housing that adheres to a range of design principles and standards, such as HAPPI and Lifetime Homes.
