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Heritage

A sector defined by history, care and continuity

Heritage projects demand a careful balance between conservation, access and long-term sustainability. Working with historic buildings, cultural institutions and treasured landscapes means operating within tight regulatory frameworks while respecting significance, authenticity and public expectation. Achieving the right outcome requires specialist insight, disciplined use of funding and a considered approach that safeguards heritage assets for future generations.

Contact

Steven Brooker London sbrooker@mcbains.co.uk

McBains specialises in supporting heritage organisations through every stage of planning, design, conservation, construction and refurbishment.

Whether delivering sensitive restorations, adaptive reuse, or new interventions within historic settings, we integrate strategic management and design to achieve outcomes that respect significance while enhancing usability and sustainability.

Our experience spans estate and masterplanning, listed buildings, museums, visitor attractions, repairs, refurbishments and complex conservation projects, responding to evolving regulatory requirements, funding constraints and public engagement needs. With clear accountability and rigorous cost control, we ensure each project protects heritage value while delivering lasting benefit for owners, users and communities.

We think of everything

In the heritage sector, where funding is tightly controlled and decisions can shape assets for generations, McBains does more than plan and deliver projects - we help clients navigate complexity with confidence and care. Our team brings deep, practical experience of working with historic environments, balancing conservation priorities, regulatory requirements and long-term sustainability to protect significance and maximise value.

  • Multidisciplinary delivery — From conservation-led architectural and engineering design to cost consultancy and project management, our integrated services ensure heritage projects are coordinated, efficient and sensitive to their context.
  • Strategic planning and stewardship — We support estate, masterplanning and investment strategies that reflect funding constraints, conservation obligations, operational needs and future use.
  • Project and cost management — Robust cost planning, procurement advice and value management provide clarity, control and confidence throughout the lifecycle of complex heritage projects.
  • Assurance and compliance — Our teams apply rigorous governance and technical oversight to meet statutory, planning and conservation requirements, ensuring accountable and defensible decision-making.
  • Specialist healthcare support — We offer tailored consultancy from early feasibility through to completion, enabling projects that conserve heritage assets while unlocking their ongoing use and public benefit.

 

Heritage projects
A small chapel with stained‑glass windows, an altar, and chairs arranged in a semi‑circle.

Brighton 3T's Chapel

Brighton, East Sussex

Relocation of the Royal Sussex County Hospital's 165-year-old chapel as part of the Brighton 3Ts Redevelopment.

Services

Project Management, Cost Management, Clerk of Works / NEC Supervisor

Sectors

Healthcare, Heritage

Battersea Power Station

Battersea, Greater London

We provided project monitoring services to a consortium of funders for Phases 1, 2 and 3 of works on the iconic, Grade II* listed Power Station.

Services

Project Monitoring & Due Diligence

Sectors

Residential, Hotel & Leisure, Office & Commercial, Regeneration & Urban Development, Retail

Graduate Hotels

Oxford & Cambridge

Extensive refurbishment of 2 hotels for the Graduate Hotels brand; a collection of boutique hotels located in key US and UK university towns.

Services

Building Services Engineering, Project Management, Architecture

Sectors

Hotel & Leisure

Bekynton Field Complex

Eton, Berkshire

Newly constructed school complex, comprising teaching accommodation, along with Greek-inspired debating and lecture theatre.

Services

Cost Management

Sectors

Education, Heritage

Coal Drops Yard

Kings Cross, Central London

A mixed-use project converting the buildings that make up ‘Coal Drops Yard’ within Kings Cross Central.

Services

Project Monitoring & Due Diligence

Sectors

Regeneration & Urban Development, Hotel & Leisure, Retail

Piraeus Tower

Piraeus, Greece

The renovation of the landmark Piraeus Tower - Greece’s second tallest building.

Services

Asset Management, Project Monitoring & Due Diligence

Sectors

Office & Commercial, Hotel & Leisure, Retail

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Who we've worked with

We've worked with national and local heritage bodies, cultural institutions and public sector organisations, delivering projects that balance conservation priorities with operational needs while creating lasting value for communities and future generations.

Eton College

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CIMB Bank

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Harlow Council

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Mid Group

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University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust (UHS)

People who make it work

Heritage projects demand more than technical expertise; they require respect for significance, careful judgment and a deep understanding of context. Our teams combine conservation knowledge, sector experience and a collaborative mindset to work alongside owners, custodians, specialists and communities. Every decision is shaped by dialogue, problem-solving and an appreciation of long-term impact, ensuring heritage assets are protected, functional and meaningful for contemporary use. From nationally significant landmarks to local historic buildings, the insight, care and commitment of our people is what transforms complex heritage challenges into enduring, well-considered outcomes.

People

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