Description: At an early stage in the design process the developer of the Swan Hotel appointed an historic buildings consultant to inform the proposed conversion of this Grade II listed Georgian building to dwellings and restaurant/bar use. 

Issue: An initial appraisal was produced that outlined the overall development of the site and the significance of its component parts. The information from the appraisal, which included an assessment of the date and significance of internal partitions, doorcases, skirtings, etc., was used to refine the emerging design. 

Strategy: The historic buildings consultant was subsequently retained as part of the project team and acted as a useful link between the developer and the local planning authority. As the opening-up work progressed, each new discovery was assessed and any damaging impact of the proposals mitigated as far as possible.

Outcome: The building has been considerably enhanced and is a definite asset to the City.