The Boatyard project is an early-stage residential feasibility study exploring the potential of an existing site for future development. The work focused on understanding site constraints, opportunities and risks, and on testing how wellbeing-led principles could inform viable development options at an early stage.
The study was undertaken to support informed decision-making before any commitment to detailed design.
The site presented a combination of spatial, access and environmental considerations that required careful evaluation. As with many constrained or previously developed sites, early clarity around capacity, layout and amenity was essential to understanding what could be achieved — and what should be avoided.
Early concept and site mapping
The feasibility study explored a range of development scenarios, considering a multitude of intersecting factors:
"Rather than seeking a single solution, the work tested multiple options to understand relative strengths, limitations and trade-offs."
Wellbeing considerations were embedded from the outset, informing decisions around layout, scale and open space. The study examined how future homes could benefit from access to daylight, private and shared outdoor space, and a sense of calm and separation from servicing and movement.
This approach helped ensure that wellbeing was treated as a strategic driver, rather than an add-on at later stages.
The study provided a clear framework to support next steps, offering clarity on:
The work enabled informed discussion around whether and how the site should progress, supporting responsible decision-making at an early stage.