Among our various architectural services, we specialise in working on listed properties and historic buildings, improving and refurbishing them to improve their facilities and bring them up to date for modern residents. Because of our commitment to these areas of architecture, we have been watching a recent development project with great interest.

Two derelict ex-council houses that were purchased in 2013 are set to be sold for more than £3 million each, representing a huge increase in value from the original purchase price. The two properties are located in a highly desirable area of Southwark, a short distance from Borough Market, at numbers 21 and 23 Park Street.

The Grade II listed Georgian properties were built around 1820 and were purchased by Southwark Council in 1986. However, by 2013 they had stood vacant for many years and were in serious need of refurbishment, with part of the structure being held up by scaffolding. The condition was so bad that English Heritage had put them on the at risk register.

Getting the properties up to a liveable standard would have been a costly challenge to the local council, so they made the decision to sell them to a property developer. After 18 months of renovations, they have been transformed into luxurious, high end properties, complete with winter gardens and conservatories. The profits from the sales will be reinvested in other housing projects, including the construction of 20 new council homes.

This project is an interesting one for every architect in London as two listed derelict properties have been essentially saved from obscurity and will now be put to practical use. Working on listed properties can be a huge challenge due to the various restrictions in place, but as this project has shown, the results can certainly be well worth it when the work is completed to a high standard.