Brownfield Sites are Exceptionally Challenging: August 14, 2024
New residential construction using ‘Brownfield’ sites is exceptionally challenging.
You want to know why in very simple terms?
Often required to replace public infrastructure on public land. This is hard because it is not efficient (a whole street may be replumbed over 10 years using multiple contractors) and is very very expensive.
Need to dig up and replace old site pipes (lots of disposal costs think asbestos too).
Often need to clear asbestos and dispose of old house — some can be derelict.
Dispose of bad spoil, this is VERY expensive.
Usually need to have bespoke designs to deal with odd shapes.
Comply with some very difficult new planning requirements under p79.
Methinks, we have a few issues.
Photo is of a rear site development: significant upgrade of an old near derelict Lockwood. Asbestos, all pipes lifted and relaid. New efficient and accessible townhouses going in below the Lockwood.
About the author
Kirsty Merriman
For years I would plan houses, travel widely and observe communities. I also had the privilege of working for New Zealand's largest dairy company in both New Zealand and Malaysia. All the while supported by my husband and young daughter. After a while, our roles swapped and we moved to the Arabian Gulf. Meanwhile my passion for property and communities continued to simmer.
Along came COVID and had no choice but to pivot... in the words of Robert Frost, I looked for and "found the road less travelled by" and decided that maybe I could "make [a] the difference".
I look for to find insights and built a few of the houses that we need. This means a saleable house and a profitable and sustainable business.
