This Information Paper is a summary of the conclusions of research by the College of Estate Management, sponsored by BRE Trust, into the relative advantages of the two approaches to housing renewal - demolition and renewal, or refurbishment.
The full BRE Trust report - FB16 "Knock it down or do it up" will be available soon.
8 pages.
Contents:
Introduction
Key findings
How was the research done?
What is the scale of the dilemma?
Why has demolition become controversial?
Why is demolition and new build attractive?
What are the drivers for refurbishment?
What is the link between heritage, conservation and sustainability?
How is sustainability measured?
Why is whole-life costing analysis difficult?
Which costs more?
How does VAT affect refurbishment?
Are sustainable construction methods being used?
Does the development industry have the necessary skills?
What needs to be done?
References