FDC Construction & Fitout’s Post

Edwin Heathcote's insightful article in the Financial Times opens up a fascinating conversation on the future of department stores in our city centres. For professionals like myself, who specialise in transforming properties, including iconic department stores, into vibrant multi-use and multi-tenant sites, this presents an exciting opportunity. Heathcote's perspective underscores the potential to breathe new life into our town centres by repurposing these historic buildings. There's a real opportunity to convert upper floors of suitable properties into residential spaces, not just to create housing, but to invigorate our urban centres with fresh footfall and activity. Envision a scenario where other floors evolve into lively food halls, community hubs, collaborative co-working spaces, and creative centres. This vision extends beyond merely adding housing, aiming to enrich community life and enhance the urban landscape. Referencing the challenges and opportunities Heathcote outlines, we should further the conversation on revitalising our city centres, not just with department stores but with any vacant and disused property. There is an opportunity to create vibrant centres enlivened by people living, working, and socialising. https://on.ft.com/3I1UY1l #UrbanDevelopment #towncentre #CommunityBuilding #SustainableCities #FinancialTimes #ReimaginePlace #NextPhase

𝘾𝙤𝙪𝙡𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙛𝙪𝙩𝙪𝙧𝙚 𝙤𝙛 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙐𝙆 𝙝𝙞𝙜𝙝 𝙨𝙩𝙧𝙚𝙚𝙩 𝙗𝙚 𝙨𝙖𝙫𝙚𝙙?... Westminster council has greenlit the first phase of a £90 million Oxford Street transformation. This transformation is set to breathe new life into one of London's most iconic shopping destinations. 🛍️ 𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙥𝙧𝙤𝙟𝙚𝙘𝙩 𝙥𝙧𝙤𝙢𝙞𝙨𝙚𝙨: 🏙️ A modernized streetscape. 🌳 Increased green spaces. 🚴♂️ Enhanced cycling infrastructure. 🌆 Revitalized public spaces. This investment not only supports retail but also aims to create a more sustainable and enjoyable environment for both locals and visitors. In a city where architecture and retail design go hand in hand, this redevelopment is a prime example of how innovative urban design can shape the future of retail spaces. It's not just about shopping; it's about creating memorable and sustainable experiences. I'm excited to see the Designer's visions become reality! What do you think about this exciting development for Oxford Street? 🤔 #OxfordStreetRevamp #London #RetailRevolution #Sustainability FRAME Recruitment

Exciting, but they need to address the lack of parking that is already an issue. I’m all for development when implemented critically. We are growing, this is a GOOD thing for our economy and citizens, but let’s ensure resource and infrastructure planning are at the top of the list! #townofcary #nceconomicdevelopment

What is a Live-Work-Play Community/Open Air Concept/Mixed Use Development? A live-work-play community is a type of development that offers diverse housing options, is conveniently located near workplaces, and includes recreational facilities such as restaurants,entertainment, sports, fitness facilities/classes, boutique shopping, various grocers (large and small food markets), and creative common spaces (indoor and out). A related concept is the 15-minute city, which promotes the idea that residents should have access to essential services like healthcare, food, schools, and employment within a 15-minute walk or bike ride from their homes. This model advocates for car-free living and the creation interconnected villages and the sense od community. Each community would feature green spaces, residential areas, mixed-use buildings, and adaptable workspaces. This is not a new concept but has finally been widely accepted. I am thrilled to see more and more of these redevelopments finally moving forward. Sordoni Construction Co. has a long history of building some of the Tri-States iconic mixed-use and “retail” redevelopment. Retail is not brick and mortar 4 wall concept - it’s about creating an experience and bringing together communities. #mixeduse #hospitality #retail #multifamily #bridgewater #monmouthmall #freeholdracewaymall #bergentowncenter #woodburycommons #riversideshops #oceancountymall #icsc #retaillive

Fourways Mall remains in the news, and with every headline, our minds can’t help but wonder to what possible solutions the conundrum they find themselves in could be considered. Here’s a few more ideas of what could be done to make the property more inviting. Let us know what you think. #retaildesign #retailarchitect #revitalisationarchitecture #fourwaysmall

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What do we do with vacant shopping centres, department stores and other empty units? Check out my colleague Daniel Gregg’s latest blog highlighting the importance of repurposing 👇👇

Daniel Gregg’s new blog highlights the growing importance of repurposing when it comes to dealing with vacant shopping centres, department stores and other empty spaces in our town centres. Drawing on Lichfields’ "Out with the old, in with the new," Insight, this blog considers the wide-ranging benefits arising from repurposing, including the reduction in carbon emissions, cost savings, and the ability to retain cultural value and landmark features. The blog explores successful case studies and key considerations for transforming these spaces into vibrant, multifunctional destinations. https://lnkd.in/em9832MD

The shift in shopping patterns has left many department stores vacant, yet within these lies a golden opportunity for economic development and environmental sustainability. “There is huge potential in the buildings that are becoming available for reuse as workspaces," said Tim Miles, Partner at Montagu Evans, as shared in Placemaking Resources, “There are considerable environmental benefits in carbon savings if the stores are reused rather than demolished. Some historic department stores are listed, and councils need to be flexible in approving schemes for these buildings that give them a new lease of life.” Interestingly, the article also outlined four helpful strategies to promote the reuse of department stores for offices, as reported by Ben Kochan: 1. Make a realistic assessment of costs at the outset 2. Developers and councils need to work together to find new uses for stores 3. Bring daylight into the centre of the buildings 4. Create an active Foyer To learn more about each of these strategies, please visit https://lnkd.in/eeerWBsE. #UrbanDevelopment #Sustainability #Retrofix