Mobilisation
Mobilisation
Commencing mobilisation as early as possible on any Co-Liv project is critical to setting the foundations for success. Early mobilisation enables the timely initiation of brand development and scheme identity, both of which are essential to the market positioning of the asset. Procuring a design agency and undertaking the branding process can be time-consuming, and it is imperative that the brand and supporting assets are in place at least 5–6 months prior to Practical Completion (PC).
Another key driver for early mobilisation is the procurement of operational infrastructure that must be integrated into the build or that impacts operational income and expenditure. This includes elements such as security and access systems, broadband and utility contracts, private waste services, and other facilities management (FM) arrangements.
Early engagement also allows us to gain visibility of critical project components where we can positively influence outcomes. for the contractor, the client, future operations, and ultimately the resident. These decisions have a direct impact on the Net Operating Income (NOI) of the asset. Our team’s hands-on experience operating Build to Rent (BtR) schemes is a key differentiator. Every member of our Mobilisation team has managed BtR assets directly, and our Asset Management function brings extensive multi-site experience at a national level.
As part of our mobilisation service, we create a tailored GANTT project plan that outlines key milestones and dependencies. This enables clear oversight, both internally and for our client, and we provide full access and transparency throughout. We actively invite client input to ensure timelines and deliverables align with their requirements. Our goal is to deliver an optimised product that reaches the leasing stage as efficiently and profitably as possible.
Another essential element is the mobilisation budget, which many clients choose to include within the development cost rather than as a post-PC operational expense. We develop this budget in collaboration with the client and separately from the Income & Expenditure plan. An early draft is included within the reporting and budget comparison tab. Gaining an early understanding of the client’s approach to expenditure allows us to ensure costs are allocated correctly and to highlight any considerations that may not have been addressed.
We recommend that mobilisation begins a minimum of 12 months prior to PC. This enables full operational input across all management areas, including budgeting, marketing, and brand development. Close coordination with the developer, contractors, and suppliers is vital. Our aim is to have the operational site team in place well ahead of PC, ensuring alignment across all operational aspects. At least four months prior to PC, the site should be ready to support marketing activities, including the creation of a safe and attractive customer journey to the show flats.
Mobilisation is a comprehensive process that transitions the scheme from development into a live operational community. It is mapped out in detail on our GANTT chart, which illustrates the full handover process. This is a complex undertaking that demands a skilled, agile, and experienced team. For this reason, our Mobilisation team reports directly to the Head of Asset Management, ensuring that the expertise and leadership required to deliver this prestigious scheme are fully embedded in the process.
View Mobilisation Plan
An area of Allsop's expertise is ensuring the amenity offer on our sites is appropriate for the rental levels demanded. We always ensure flexibility in design and future proofing are considered.
Click the link to see an example of a recently designed amenity space for a “BtR light scheme” created with Alsop consultation.
Design and Mobilisation Support
Through research, we make informed decisions on product suitability, resident service provision, letting and marketing strategy, additional revenue generators, onsite amenities, and sculpt the customer experience masterplan and customer service strategy. This strategy then feeds the operational strategy, resourcing, management structure, staffing proposal, operational manuals, policies, and procedures, which in turn ensures consistency of service delivery and robust asset performance.
Our team has extensive experience delivering design and mobilisation consultancy across a wide range of build to rent schemes, including several award winning schemes such as EDA, Salford Quays (Homeviews top rated BTR in the UK 2025, Northwest homebuilder awards larger apartment scheme of the year 2024, Insider BTR development of the year 2024). We are often brought in during the early planning stages to provide advice that combines operational knowledge with a clear understanding of what residents expect. This means we can help shape a building that looks impressive but also functions well, stands up to daily use, and is easy to manage over time. We regularly collaborate with architects and developers to review layouts and make suggestions that improve both practicality and resident experience.
One of the areas we focus on is advising on materials, especially in communal and high-traffic spaces. We consider how surfaces will hold up under regular use, how easy they are to maintain, and whether they make sense for the kind of demographics the scheme is targeting. We are also able to support the appointment and onboarding of interior designers through a network of industry contacts. When needed, we offer feedback on their proposed schemes to make sure that what looks good on paper will still work well when the building is fully occupied and being used day to day.
We pay close attention to back of house spaces and operational areas, which can sometimes be under-considered during the design process. This includes laundry rooms, staff areas, waste storage, and servicing access. We look at how easy these spaces are to access, how well they support day to day operations, and how they will function as the scheme settles into long term management. These are the areas that help the operations of a building run smoothly, and getting them right early can make a significant difference to both staff and residents.
Access and security are key parts of our design reviews. We advise on how access control system strategies, CCTV locations and specification to ensure good coverage and compliant operations, and how to make sure the building is secure without making it difficult for residents to move around. We look at things like parcel delivery, amenity access, and visitor management to make sure the building feels both safe and welcoming. We also help shape wayfinding strategies, ensuring that signage is clear, consistent, and placed in ways that help people navigate the building easily.
Overall, our goal is to make sure that every part of the building is ready for real life. From communal lounges to plant rooms, we take a hands-on, practical approach that helps create places people enjoy living in and staff can operate with confidence from day one.