Did you know that historic buildings in the UK could be a solution to the housing crisis? Historic England recently reported that up to 670,000 homes could be created by repurposing existing historic buildings across the country. There’s an estimated 11.9 million to 13 million square meters of vacant historic non-domestic floorspace in England, with the potential to create up to 251,000 one-bedroom homes or 140,000 two-bedroom homes by repurposing 75% of this space.
At Urban Apartments, we’ve been passionate about this concept since 2004. We’ve transformed vacant, historic properties in Bristol and London—many featuring stunning Georgian and classic architecture—into high-quality serviced apartments for leisure guests, long-term tenants, and business stays. By repurposing these beautiful buildings, we provide something special for our guests. Here’s why this approach benefits both us and you.
Able To Focus On You
- Lower Initial Investment: Purchasing an existing building is often more affordable than buying land and building from scratch. This allows us to focus and invest more on delivering a top-quality guest experience.
Environmental Benefits
- Sustainability: Repurposing old buildings reduces the demand for new materials and resources, cutting down on carbon emissions.
- Recycling Materials: Many materials from old buildings can be repurposed, reducing waste and promoting sustainability.
- Energy Efficiency: Older buildings are retrofitted with modern, energy-efficient systems, reducing their environmental footprint.
Historical Preservation
- Cultural Significance: Repurposing historic buildings preserves architectural heritage. At Urban Apartments, our Urban Creation brand is inspired by blending historical charm with modern amenities.
- Community Value: Older buildings often hold sentimental value, and repurposing them strengthens community ties and offers continuity.
Established Location
- Prime Locations: Historic buildings are often located in desirable areas with established infrastructure, something new builds can’t easily replicate.
- Walkable Areas: Many of our serviced apartments are in vibrant, walkable neighborhoods, ideal for guests who want to be close to work, leisure, and culture.
Unique Character and Appeal
- Architectural Charm: Older buildings have unique features like high ceilings and large windows, adding character and charm.
- Distinctive Design: Unlike modern developments, our serviced apartments offer a visually unique experience with character that guests appreciate.
Community Impact
- Minimising Disruption: Renovating causes less disruption to the local community compared to new construction.
- Supporting Local Economies: Renovating helps support local tradespeople and businesses, boosting the local economy. We work with all local designers, tradesmen and businesses.
Flexibility in Design
- Adaptive Reuse: Old buildings lend themselves to creative, flexible designs that preserve historical features while offering modern amenities, so you really do get the best of both worlds.
- Mixed-Use Opportunities: Some older properties can be adapted for mixed-use developments, combining residential and commercial spaces, which makes way for new local businesses bringing life to the local community.
Repurposing old buildings for serviced apartments offers many advantages—not just for us as a business, but for you, our valued guests. From cost savings and environmental sustainability to historical preservation and unique charm, we believe that repurposing Bristol’s historic buildings provides a memorable, meaningful experience for you.
Published: 10.03.25 by Phoebe Clutton
