Evolution5 Awarded Residential Conversion Project for St. Georges House

St Georges House in Winchester: Combining Heritage Preservation with Modern Residential Transformation

In September 2025, Evolution5 was appointed as the main contractor for the redevelopment of St Georges House, a historic Grade II listed building located opposite the Royal Oak pub in Winchester. This project combines careful heritage preservation with modern residential transformation, converting the former offices and commercial units into 12 bespoke apartments. Each apartment has a unique internal layout and finishes, guided by the client’s interior designer to provide individuality while maintaining the building’s historic character.

The project includes external works, which are strictly limited due to the building’s listed status, as well as internal structural adjustments, M&E upgrades, bespoke kitchens, and a facelift of the commercial units below. Evolution5 is delivering the works while managing access constraints, with deliveries and material handling requiring street lane closures, timed deliveries, and careful coordination to minimise disruption to residents, businesses, and pedestrians.

As with all our heritage projects, our approach balances traditional construction expertise with modern project management, ensuring quality, safety, and minimal disruption throughout.

Read more on our Main Contractor and Heritage Consultancy services.

Project Challenges

The St Georges project presents a range of unique challenges:

• Access Constraints: The building’s narrow side streets and small site entrance require careful planning for material deliveries, hoist operations, and large item handling such as windows and kitchens.
• Heritage Restrictions: As a Grade II listed building, external alterations are not permitted, and internal structural adjustments must respect historic fabric.
• Bespoke Apartment Layouts: Each of the 12 apartments has a unique internal layout and finish, requiring careful coordination of specialist materials and trades.
• Logistics & Resident Disruption: Managing deliveries, lane closures, and underground parking to minimise disruption to neighbouring businesses and the local community.
• Value Engineering: Optimising structural elements and M&E systems during the tender stage to achieve cost savings without compromising quality.

Project Solutions

To address these challenges, Evolution5 has implemented a series of strategic solutions:

• Tender Value Engineering: At the tender stage, we successfully delivered £60,000 in savings by optimising building structure, revisiting intercom systems, cabling, and mains boards, and leveraging relationships with trusted subcontractors.
• Coordinated Logistics: Applying for council permits, managing lane closures, and scheduling timed deliveries to maintain smooth operations in Winchester’s busy streets.
• Specialist Craftsmanship & Value Engineering: Engaging skilled tradespeople for bespoke finishes, while sourcing certain items, such as kitchen, through value engineering. This ensured the same quality and finish specified by the interior designer at a more cost-effective price.
• Comprehensive Construction Management: A single point of contact overseeing pre-construction planning, subcontractor management, value engineering, and project programming to ensure delivery on time and budget.
• Stakeholder Communication: Regular updates to the client, local businesses, and residents to maintain transparency and manage expectations throughout the construction process.

Project Successes

Early milestones for the St Georges redevelopment project include:

• Smooth site mobilisation despite restricted access and logistical challenges.
• Cost savings achieved through careful value engineering and supplier optimisation.
• Positive engagement with the client, local community, and subcontractors, establishing trust and collaboration.
• Successful delivery planning for bespoke apartment layouts, ensuring each unit retains its individuality while meeting modern living standards.

Looking Ahead

Scheduled for completion in early 2026, Evolution5 remains committed to delivering high-quality, compliant works while preserving the historic significance of St Georges House. Our combined expertise in heritage construction, project management, and value engineering ensures that every aspect of the project enhances both functionality and long-term value.

A Main Building Contractor You Can Trust

Evolution5 offers a flexible, skilled team with extensive experience in live operational environments, fast-track projects, and heritage settings. Our services include:

• Full project management from concept to handover.
• Procurement, subcontractor oversight, and cost management.
• Collaborative ‘one team’ approach to maximise design and construction quality.
• Expertise in health & safety, CDM compliance, and construction best practices.
• Innovative solutions to enhance the built environment while maintaining historic integrity.

Contact Evolution5 to discuss how our construction management services can deliver high-quality, cost-effective solutions for your projects.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the St Georges project in Winchester?

The St Georges project is a heritage building restoration. The modern residential transformation will convert the Grade II listed St Georges House from offices into 12 bespoke residential apartments while preserving its historic character.

Who is managing the St Georges redevelopment?

Evolution5 is the main contractor, providing full construction management services including procurement, value engineering, project oversight, and co-ordination with heritage authorities.

How does Evolution5 manage construction on a listed building?

We combine specialist craftsmanship with modern project management, ensuring all works comply with heritage guidelines, maintain structural integrity, and minimise disruption to residents and local businesses.

Are the apartments in St Georges House all the same?

No, each of the 12 apartments has a unique layout and bespoke finishes. Value engineering has been applied to match the interior designer’s specification. This applies a more cost-effective price, including kitchens and other high-quality fittings.

When is the St Georges redevelopment scheduled for completion?

The project is scheduled for completion in late 2026. It delivers modern, high-quality apartments while preserving the historic significance of St Georges House.