• Sat. Dec 14th, 2024

North East Connected

Hopping Across The North East From Hub To Hub

An experienced pilates instructor has transformed a former residential property in Darlington into her own pilates studio, after enlisting the help of Silverstone Building Consultancy.

 

The property, which is located on the corner of Grange Road and Polam Lane, on the edge of the town centre, has undergone a six-figure refurbishment to create a dedicated pilates and yoga centre, Pilates & Beyond. 

Sarah Wilkinson, who has taught pilates extensively throughout Darlington, Durham and North Yorkshire, said she spent several years looking for the perfect studio location but was unable to find a suitable purpose-built property for her new business venture. 

She said: “After failing to find suitable premises, Connect Property North East identified a rundown residential property ideal for redevelopment and helped us secure planning for change of use.

We instructed Silverstone Building Consultancy to manage the refurbishment works and with the team’s help we took a dark, dated building and created a calm, peaceful, holistic studio flooded with natural light where people can enjoy a whole range of activities.”

The redevelopment project included major structural alterations to create two large studio spaces to accommodate specialist equipment and three treatment rooms, which are available to hire.

Louise Stewart, associate director at Silverstone Building Consultancy said: “We had to undertake extensive works to modify the building to make it fit for purpose including partial demolition, a single and two-storey extension to the rear of the property, a full internal strip out and structural alterations to create open spaces for the studio.  There were a few challenges early on but these were quickly overcome and we are delighted with the transformation. 

Sarah added: “Silverstone were very quick to understand our vision and ensured the site meetings and coordination of the contractual and architectural team stayed on target, allowing me to concentrate on my business.

The studio means we can develop new classes and workshops such as Power Pilates, as well as offer complementary therapies all under one roof to provide the full body and mind sculpting experience.”

Wharton Construction acted as main contractor on the redevelopment project.