Heritage

We are recognised internationally for our work in understanding, managing and future-proofing heritage assets. From restoring and reusing historic buildings to protecting archaeological sites, our experts draw on years of experience and the latest innovations to reimagine them for today and for future generations.

We help our clients make informed decisions about their historic buildings and sites, enabling them as the custodians who connect heritage with the future. We provide professional advice and a comprehensive range of technical services related to historic and culturally significant buildings, their settings and archaeology.

Collaborating with clients in both the public and private sectors, our work ranges from large scale redevelopment projects such as the transformation of Canada’s parliament building Centre Block, to smaller projects such as evaluating the climate risks to historic Antarctic monuments.

Our locally dedicated teams draw on international expertise to deliver complex projects using both traditional building methods and highly technical solutions. Working closely with our clients and other stakeholders, we develop innovative solutions that will safeguard our historic places, while also ensuring their future viability.

Reusing historic buildings

Retrofitting our existing building stock is integral to creating a more sustainable built environment. Reusing historic buildings comes with added challenges – balancing the heritage significance of the building with the need to adapt them to suit user requirements and meet net zero sustainability targets.

Our design solutions aim to give these buildings a new lease of life, sensitively incorporating digital and sustainable technologies, while retaining the unique characteristics that make them so special.

From feasibility studies and planning applications to building systems upgrades and structural engineering, we help our clients to realise their ambitions: revitalising older buildings to meet their needs for today and for tomorrow.

Swiss Life Brannhof. Architecture: SPPA, Visualisation: maaars, Zurich.

“Working on heritage projects is both a privilege and a responsibility. As we adapt these buildings to make them relevant and useful for today, we are like custodians preserving them for future generations to enjoy. It’s a delicate balance, but an absolute pleasure when we achieve this.”

Audrey McIver
Director, London Property & Buildings, WSP in the UK

Protecting structures and places

Climate change, urbanisation and the constant need for new infrastructure all have an impact on historic buildings, sites and archaeology. Our approach is to thoroughly research and assess these places to identify the issues and develop solutions to resolve or mitigate any adverse impacts.

As a global, multi-disciplinary consultant, we have buildings and environmental specialists working to protect and restore historic places all around the world, tackling challenges ranging from seismic activity to extreme weather conditions.

We deeply respect the environmental, aesthetic, cultural, and historical values that shape our communities and their collective identities. To inform our work, we consult extensively with stakeholders including local authorities, heritage bodies and the public. And at every stage of a project, we share our learnings and best practice approaches with our clients to deliver a positive outcome.

The Blue Church, Greenland

“Studying the past informs our future by providing a long historical perspective on the decisions we make about our communities and environment.”

Andrew Mason MA, RPCA

Practice Area Leader - Environmental Planning / Senior Principal Archaeologist, WSP Canada

Case studies

Adelaide, South Australia, Australia

Lot Fourteen: The space age district inspiring a new era of sustainability

When the Royal Adelaide Hospital relocated to a new state-of-the-art facility in 2017, the Government of South Australia had a bold plan in place to transform the seven-hectare site into something completely different. A place for world-class innovation and creativity to solve complex global challenges and create greater economic, social and cultural prosperity – known as Lot Fourteen.

Denmark

Copenhagen City Hall

A flagship project to modernise heating and ventilation at Copenhagen City Hall will achieve heating energy savings of 80%, demonstrating the contribution historic buildings can make in the transition to net zero.

Ottawa, Canada

Centre Block Rehabilitation Project

WSP is guiding the CENTRUS joint venture and providing engineering and design management services for Canada’s largest and most complex heritage rehabilitation project.

Wellington, New Zealand

Wellington East Girls' College

Wellington East Girls' College is undergoing a significant redevelopment to bring it up to 100% NBS of the structural code and incorporating the most up-to-date teaching and learning environments.

Antarctica

Evaluating the Coastal Erosion and Climate Risks to Historical Antarctic Monuments

The Antarctic Heritage Trust is a New Zealand-based charity with a mission to conserve, share and encourage the spirit of exploration. The Trust manages the Ross Sea Heritage Restoration Project, which is the world’s largest cold-climate conservation project, caring for five of the remarkable expedition bases in the Ross Sea region of Antarctica.