Essential Projects, a specialist manufacturer from Nottingham, is the provider of a new steel canopy above the exterior entrance of a Next retail shop in Epping Forest Shopping Centre.
The shopping centre is located on the outskirts of London, off the M11 in Loughton and it was opened in September of last year. The 16,000 sqm construction is home to major brands such as Aldi, Mothercare, T.K. Maxx, and Next Retail Plc.
Epping Forest Shopping Park costed £14 million and is set to bring 200 new jobs and investment to the district that will boost the local economy. The funding was awarded by Epping Forest District Council who named McLaughlin & Harvey Construction as the main contractor.

Essential Projects became known for its metalwork on retail projects across the UK after being appointed on the £440 million Westgate Shopping Centre project in Oxford. They were appointed on the Epping Forest project to design, manufacture, and install a glass canopy above the newly opened Next store.
The design includes two steel support columns located at either side of the store entrance with the store branding on a panel affixed to either side of the columns. An oblong shape steel structure with a glass panel to the top is fitted to provide rain protection for the visitors.
All stores are now adjacent to each other and feature an identical steel canopy. The operation was carried out during the night, decision made based on the need to lift the structure in one piece. The canopy and signage display were assembled on the ground and a crane was used to lift it into place.

“Essential Projects has track record of manufacturing bespoke metalwork for commercial retail park projects. On this project there was big emphasis on making sure that the steel we installed matched other existing canopies. I’m happy that we were able to play a small role in the development of the new shopping park,” said on behalf of Essential Projects, Managing Director, Eliot Saxton.