Listed Building Renovation in Wokingham: A Full Turnkey Construction Project

Delivering a listed building renovation is rarely straightforward. Between planning constraints, structural unknowns, and programme pressure, projects can quickly become complex and costly without the right leadership.

At Iconic Project Management, we provide a full turnkey construction service—managing projects from early-stage planning through to delivery. This case study explores how we restored two derelict Grade II listed buildings in Wokingham, transforming them into high-quality family homes.

This project was led by Oscar Hewitt, who managed delivery from early-stage coordination through to completion.

Project Overview

• Client: Iconic Build Life (Iconic Vitam Ltd)

• Location: Wokingham

• Sector: Residential (Listed Buildings)

• Construction Value: £185,000

• Programme: 5 months

• Service: Full Turnkey Construction (Project Leadership, Design Coordination & Delivery)

The Brief

Iconic Build Life appointed Iconic Project Management to deliver the full renovation and restoration of two derelict Grade II listed buildings.

The objective was to bring two historically significant C16th properties back into use as high-quality homes, while managing listed constraints, a defined budget, and an ambitious programme.

This required not just project management, but end-to-end coordination across design, planning, and construction.

The Challenge

Listed building projects are inherently unpredictable, and this scheme presented multiple complexities:

• Planning constraints and associated delays

• Land Registry complications requiring resolution mid-programme

• Structural issues revealed only through intrusive investigation

• Tight budget parameters

• A compressed programme

  
  

As is often the case with historic buildings, the true condition only became clear once works began, requiring a flexible and responsive delivery approach.

Our Turnkey Approach

This project demonstrates the value of a turnkey construction service—with a single point of responsibility from concept through to completion.

Iconic provided full project leadership, ensuring decisions were made quickly, risks were managed proactively, and progress was maintained throughout.

Programme Recovery & Acceleration

Following planning delays, we recovered time by coordinating multiple trades to work concurrently. This required active oversight to maintain both quality and efficiency.

Integrated Design & Delivery

Close coordination between design and construction ensured solutions could be implemented quickly as new challenges emerged.

Proactive Problem Solving

Structural issues were addressed pragmatically as they arose, avoiding delays and keeping the project moving forward.

Managing Uncertainty in Historic Buildings

Rather than treating unknowns as setbacks, we approached them as expected risks—responding quickly and maintaining momentum.

The Outcome

Despite the inherent challenges, the project was successfully delivered.

• Two derelict Grade II listed buildings fully restored

• Delivered broadly on time and within budget

• High-quality residential homes created

• One property let on the first day of marketing

  
  

This project highlights how strong project leadership and a turnkey delivery model can unlock complex developments and deliver meaningful outcomes.

Why Use a Turnkey Construction Service?

For complex projects—particularly listed building renovations—a turnkey approach provides:

• A single point of accountability

• Faster decision-making

• Better coordination between design and construction

• Reduced risk of delays and cost overruns

  
  

Without this level of integration, projects with multiple unknowns can quickly lose momentum.

Project FAQs

What was the biggest challenge on this project?

The unknown condition of the buildings. Structural issues only became apparent during intrusive investigations, requiring rapid and ongoing adaptation.

How was risk managed?

Through proactive coordination, flexible delivery, and programme acceleration—ensuring issues were addressed before they impacted overall progress.

What was the outcome for the client?

Two restored, high-quality homes delivered within a constrained budget and programme, with immediate commercial success.

Why is project management critical for listed building renovation?

Because constraints, unknowns, and programme pressure require constant decision-making. Without strong leadership, delays and cost escalation are highly likely.

If you’re considering a listed building renovation or complex construction project, having the right structure in place from the outset can make the difference between a challenging project and a successful one.

Author

Oscar Hewitt

Oscar was Iconic’s first Project Management Apprentice and is currently studying for a BSc in Construction Management (MRICS) at the University College of Estate Management.

He has contributed to the successful delivery of a large infrastructure development at an international airport, led minor works programmes across a retail bank estate, and managed multiple retail and quick service restaurant (QSR) fit-outs.

• Final marketing photography was provided by Mark Moffat, The Property Experts