When a major investment is being planned, an Options Appraisal is an essential part of the project development process.
Options Appraisal considers and clarifies the vision and objectives for a proposed project in the light of the number of ways in which these could be achieved.
In assessing project options we will ensure that central issues such as value for money, risk, viability, "fundability" and sustainability are all fully considered and that the preferred or recommended option represents the best possible way forward for the client team and the project's prospects.
Click below to see some examples of our work in this area or click here for a pdf with more details.
The Assize Courts is a listed building located in the historic core of Devizes. For many years the community of the Devizes area has been concerned at the dilapidated condition of the building. Kennet District Council and the Wiltshire HIstoric Buildings Trust employed Architecton artchitects and De Facto to carry out an options appraisal to consider the future for the building.
The appraisal aims to examine the constraints and opportunities relating to the building and its financial background, and then outline proposals for future use and identify potential sources of funding. It is hoped that the restoration of the building will be a key factor in the regeneration of the part of Devizes in which it sits.
We provided management consultancy services for the management team of this visitor attraction in Devon who were considering their options for the future. Our work involved an extensive review of current status (including a review of the financial situation, interviews with staff and a visitor survey), identification of key issues, and recommendations for the future.
In 2005 we were appointed by Lyme Regis Development Trust to carry out a feasibility study for the development of a Lyme Regis 'Cultural Quarter'. The aim is to develop an area of Lyme Regis to provide a world-class range of visitor and community facilities including a Jurassic Coast Visitor Centre, education facilities, exhibition area and enhanced tourist information facilities. The study also incorporated proposals to include facilities for a Study Centre and temporary exhibitions, as well as conferencing and accommodation.
Before progressing to more detailed feasibility testing for this regeneration project, we provided the Trust with a set of broad project options which would achieve their aims to a lesser or greater degree. The options ranged from a 'de minimis' scheme, through adapting existing buildings, to a 'go for gold' complete new build. We considered the merits and practicalities of each option before making a recommendation.
The client group then asked us to develop this option and test it for feasibility in more detail. Our work involved development of the project concept, market analysis and consultation, funding assessement, organisational structure and financial feasibility.
The Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment asked De Facto to carry out an options study for the future of design and built environment support in Manchester, building on the work of the CUBE Architecture and Built Environment Centre (ABEC).
We considered all the options available to the client team and assessed the top-line viability of each, taking into account all relevant factors. Our work involved in-depth consultation with all existing and potential stakeholders, an assessment of the strategic context in which ABEC activity was taking place in the North West, the CUBE legacy, current and future provision, options for delivery and funding potential. Our report identified a way forward for CUBE which would enable the region to build on CUBE's legacy of cultural innovation and education which had begun in 1998.