OP has been appointed to design and fit out the new UK headquarters of global electronics leader, Epson. The office fit out and design consultancy will transform more than 30,000 sq ft of space at The Clarendon Works, a Grade A office building on Watford’s Clarendon Road. OP will create
Robertson Construction Tayside has awarded a contract worth over £2m to fitout specialists Deanestor, for the new Monifieth Learning Campus in Angus. This brings Deanestor’s FF&E work for Robertson in Scotland to 15 contracts, totalling around £17m. Part of the national Learning Estate Investment Programme (LEIP), this new Learning Campus
A contemporary workspace in the heart of Bristol’s bustling commercial district will officially launch this week following a £12m major refurbishment. Set in Bristol’s city centre, BLOK can boast an unrivalled location with excellent transport networks via road, rail, and an international airport. Temple Meads Train Station is just an
Deanestor, one of the UK’s leading furniture and fitout specialists, has released its latest financial results for the year ending December 2023 which show a £3m increase in turnover to £22.4m and a record order intake of over £30m. Forward orders have increased by more than £3m to over £30m
Following the announcement of the General Election for July 2024, the Finishes and Interiors Sector (FIS) has launched their manifesto, A Blueprint for Better Construction. The document focuses on how policy can support better procurement and contracting, and help to improve investment in skills, innovation and net zero. Throughout the
Willmott Dixon Interiors has been appointed to refurbish two historic buildings in Sutton, South London. The £4.4 million project for the London Borough of Sutton involves transforming two historic buildings formerly occupied by Topshop and Vision Express on 137-145 High Street in the town centre to create 20,000 sq ft
Willmott Dixon Interiors is to deliver the £4.4 million refurbishment of two historic buildings in Sutton, South London, as part of exciting plans to bring the town’s high street back to life. The leading fit-out and refurbishment specialist contractor will transform 137-145 High Street in Sutton town centre, on behalf
Office Principles North has been chosen to carry out the £1.7 million CAT A refurbishment of an office building in the heart of Milton Keynes’ business district. The office fit out and design consultancy will upgrade c.10,000 sq ft on the ground, second and third floors of One Grafton Mews, Midsummer Boulevard.
Monkwearmouth Development Ltd “MDL”(a Joint Venture between Sir Robert McAlpine Capital Ventures Limited “SRMCV”, and Argon Property Development Solutions Limited “APDS”), with funding from Railpen, proudly handed over its first development to NTW Solutions Ltd at Monkwearmouth Hospital in Sunderland last month. Located within the grounds of the existing hospital,
Sisk has been selected by Moderna as its preferred bidder for the fit-out of its new UK drug substance and manufacturing facility at the Moderna Innovation and Technology Centre (MITC), located on the Harwell Science Campus in Oxfordshire. The MITC development will encompass a research, development and manufacturing facility, providing
BDC 322 : Nov 2024
OP has been appointed to design and fit out the new UK headquarters of global electronics leader, Epson. The office fit out and design consultancy will transform more than 30,000 sq ft of space at The Clarendon Works, a Grade A office building on Watford’s Clarendon Road. OP will create a modern and collaborative workplace that aligns with Epson’s brand identity and supports the firm’s evolving hybrid work model. Its design incorporates an informal, timeless palette that complements the building’s industrial backdrop while aligning with Epson’s evolving brand identity. Features include a unique product demo space, which will showcase Epson’s innovative technology and serve as an additional sales asset. Epson will relocate from its current premises in Hemel Hempstead when the 12-week project is complete. The Clarendon Works is a BREEAM Excellent, EPC A-rated building, which offers community spaces, including a lounge and gymnasium, and 12 floors of open plan floor plates. Tom Parsons, sales director at OP, said: “We’re thrilled to partner with Epson on this transformative project. Our design challenges traditional corporate layouts and creates a space that reflects Epson’s forward-thinking ethos. By centralising breakout areas and prioritising collaboration, we’re helping Epson transition from a conventional office to a hybrid setup that puts its people first. “Sustainability has been a constant thread throughout the design process. We’ve worked closely with Epson to ensure that its new headquarters exceeds the company’s sustainability aspirations, capitalising on the building’s excellent green credentials.” OP secured the project through a competitive tender process, based on the strength of its in-depth research, company values and best practice design principles. It also conducted staff engagement sessions to facilitate Epson’s smooth transition to the new environment. OP is working with the building’s developer Regal as part of its ongoing work at The Clarendon Works. Savills is acting as client agent. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Robertson Construction Tayside has awarded a contract worth over £2m to fitout specialists Deanestor, for the new Monifieth Learning Campus in Angus. This brings Deanestor’s FF&E work for Robertson in Scotland to 15 contracts, totalling around £17m. Part of the national Learning Estate Investment Programme (LEIP), this new Learning Campus for Angus Council is delivered through the Procurement Hub Major Projects Framework 2 (MPF2) and will accommodate around 1,200 pupils. Due to open in August 2025 and to be fully completed by summer 2026, the facility is designed by architects NORR to meet Passivhaus standards and will combine energy efficiency with a high level of user comfort. Deanestor will fit out 379 spaces across the three-storey campus and will design and manufacture or procure more than 13,000 items of fitted and loose furniture and equipment for the project. These will include dining tables, chairs and seating, lockers, storage solutions, shelving, teaching walls, mobile cabinets, sports equipment, changing benches, musical instrument racks, and kitchens for life skills and home education. According to Ramsay McDonald, Managing Director of Deanestor in Scotland, “This will be a wonderful school to engage young people in learning and to contribute to local, regional and national economic growth.” “We are delighted to be working with Robertson once again – a longstanding Deanestor contractor client – and on our first education project for Angus Council. The high quality standards we work to and our consistent on-time delivery of major and complex school fitout contracts across Scotland and for neighbouring councils including Aberdeenshire and Dundee meant we were well placed to be awarded this latest contract. We look forward to starting on site early next year.” Councillor Beth Whiteside, Leader of Angus Council, said, “This new learning campus will have a hugely positive impact on the education of young people. Monifieth High School has high aspirations for all of its young people, and now it will soon have a building to match this ambition.” The building’s construction and fitout will take place in a live school environment as the current Monifieth High School will remain operational until the new learning campus is built and ready for occupation. The existing school will then be demolished to make way for all-weather and grass sports pitches. The 13,800m2 high school campus will feature a central atrium with a social stairs, a learning plaza around the dining hall, classrooms arranged over three storeys, an early learning and childcare facility, swimming pool and access for out-of-hours community use. The Monifieth Learning Campus will have a low energy design in line with Passivhaus standards. This will include super insulation, stringent levels of air tightness, a large solar array on the rooftop and heating from air source heat pumps. Deanestor specialises in the design and project management of large campus fitout projects and award-winning school architecture. It manufactures and installs robust and flexible loose and fixed furniture solutions for early years, primary, SEN, and secondary education, fitting out areas such as classrooms, science laboratories, ICT, design and technology, atria, social dining spaces, break-out areas, sports facilities, and changing rooms. For further information, visit www.deanestor.co.uk/education, call 01623 420041 or email enquiries@deanestor.com. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A contemporary workspace in the heart of Bristol’s bustling commercial district will officially launch this week following a £12m major refurbishment. Set in Bristol’s city centre, BLOK can boast an unrivalled location with excellent transport networks via road, rail, and an international airport. Temple Meads Train Station is just an eight-minute walk away. Already 60% let prior to practical completion and boasting a series of new tenants, including Coreus Projects, 5 Values Consulting, RWK Goodman and Nathaniel Lichfield Partners, the completed BLOK building will serve as a welcome addition to the city’s thriving business sector. Offering 70,000 sq ft of modern workspace and a further 11,000 sq ft of occupier welfare and amenity space including communal lounge, meeting rooms, presentation spaces, independent coffee shop, courtyard garden, roof terrace and private gym. Having purchased the tired 1980s-built property in 2021, real estate transformation specialists Boultbee Brooks decided against demolition and instead employed Mutiny Architecture & Design to come up with plans which could breathe new life into the existing structure. The process of ‘reimagining instead of rebuilding’ prioritises sustainability and occupier experience reflected in the extensive building certification including high BREEAM, EPC, Fitwell, Activescore, and Wiredscore ratings. Boultbee Brooks Managing Director, James Whitcher, comments “In line with our core ethos of ‘Repurpose, not Rebuild’, we’re passionate about reviving older buildings and giving them a new lease of life, with the aim of keeping our carbon footprint as low as possible. “From the outset we committed to retaining the existing façade, instead prioritising expenditure in areas of the scheme that would deliver the highest level of day-to-day benefit for the occupiers using it, resulting in one of the most amenity rich workspaces in Bristol at a very competitive price point. “We look forward to announcing and welcoming new businesses to Blok over the summer!” Further space is available on flexible terms and layouts from 1,000 sq ft up to 12,000 sq ft. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Deanestor, one of the UK’s leading furniture and fitout specialists, has released its latest financial results for the year ending December 2023 which show a £3m increase in turnover to £22.4m and a record order intake of over £30m. Forward orders have increased by more than £3m to over £30m compared to the same period last year for projects to be delivered through to the end of 2025. Turnover rose by £3m in 2023, up from £19.2m in the previous year and again with a healthy operating profit. Net assets in the same period increased by £1.5m. Projects have been delivered and awarded across diverse market sectors – healthcare, education, student living and build-to-rent – for the manufacture and installation of fitted furniture, bespoke kitchens and specialist joinery, and with a high level of repeat business from tier one contractors and major residential property developers. In Scotland, Deanestor continues to perform well from its regional headquarters in Fife, particularly in the education sector. Current projects include Deanestor’s 13th school FF&E project for Robertson Construction – a £3.8m contract for the new East End Community Campus in Dundee. William Tonkinson, CEO of Deanestor, said, “This latest set of figures demonstrates strong and sustainable growth for the business across multiple sectors. We have an exceptionally healthy project pipeline and are anticipating an increase in turnover to £24m by the end of 2024.” “Our financial performance is testament to the hard work of our teams in the East Midlands and in Fife – from design and estimating to manufacturing and work on site – who help our clients achieve the balance between first class FF&E services, finishes of the highest quality and project delivery to the required budget and programme. Quality and longevity are vitally important for fitting out retained assets – from hospitals that are operational 24/7 to co-living apartments that require strong tenant appeal, long-term.” Projects nearing completion in the PRS sector include a contract worth around £2.5m to provide 399 bespoke, high specification kitchens for Winvic Construction at New Garden Square in Birmingham – Deanestor’s third built-to-rent neighbourhood for Moda. Also in the co-living sector, Deanestor has just been awarded a contract for more than 100 kitchens for a multi-tenure project in the EdCity development in London’s White City, working once again with Bowmer + Kirkland. Hospital fitout contracts totalling £4m have also been secured, the largest of which is a project worth more than £1m for Integrated Health Projects (IHP) – a joint venture between VINCI and Sir Robert McAlpine, to fit out two 54-bed adult mental health facilities at Kingsway Hospital in Derby and in the grounds of Chesterfield Royal Hospital. Deanestor’s latest major project in the student living sector is a £2m contract to fit out the bedrooms, studio and communal kitchens for a 550-bed scheme. Established in 1948, Deanestor now has manufacturing and distribution facilities in Mansfield, Nottinghamshire, which span 250,000 sqft across six sites. It employs 150 staff and has a division in Fife to service Scottish clients and projects. Its fitted furniture and kitchen solutions give contractors and developers the benefit of shorter lead times, high levels of customer service and long-term durability for major build-to-rent schemes, student living, schools and hospitals. For further information, visit www.deanestor.co.uk, call 01623 420041 or email enquiries@deanestor.com. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Following the announcement of the General Election for July 2024, the Finishes and Interiors Sector (FIS) has launched their manifesto, A Blueprint for Better Construction. The document focuses on how policy can support better procurement and contracting, and help to improve investment in skills, innovation and net zero. Throughout the manifesto’s development, FIS leaned heavily into research completed with Professor Stuart Green of Reading University and AMA Research in 2023. It has also consulted with its membership and externally to help further refine and ensure it does not cut across and is consistent with other construction lobby groups. FIS CEO, Iain McIlwee emphasised the manifesto’s goals, stating it presents “well-reasoned practical, targeted and specific” recommendations building on previous industry work. He added that the FIS has shared this document with other representative groups in construction to support their efforts, inviting further comments to refine and develop the proposals. “Beyond this we’ll be using our network and opportunities to ensure as FIS we carry forward the message that construction is a key enabling industry, but there are key policy levers that can be pulled to unleash the full potential of the sector,” he said. FIS will be taking this message forward with Ministers, MPs, Regulators and Civil Servants and at the same time is recommending its members use the document to target their candidates locally. “Consistency is key to change,” he added. “It is important to remember that the election deadline isn’t the critical one, it is being ready in the Autumn to deliver a consistent message from construction to the new Government (whatever colour) and give them a plan to ensure construction is well placed to support their vision for our future.” FIS is urging all members to contact their local candidates (you can find their details here) and challenge them on how their party will support a sector that enables growth, delivers sustainability and provides employment for one in 10 people in the UK. You can download a copy of the FIS Manifesto, A Blueprint for Better Construction here Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Willmott Dixon Interiors has been appointed to refurbish two historic buildings in Sutton, South London. The £4.4 million project for the London Borough of Sutton involves transforming two historic buildings formerly occupied by Topshop and Vision Express on 137-145 High Street in the town centre to create 20,000 sq ft of modern retail and business space. An important aspect of Interiors’ work is to protect the historic features of both four-storey buildings while modernising the space to allow the upper floors to provide large, open-plan floor spaces, with the basement and ground floor becoming separate commercial units. The project was tendered via Procurement Hub and is part-funded by the government’s Future High Streets Fund, through which the Council secured £11.35 million to transform the town centre. As part of its work, Willmott Dixon Interiors has committed to investing in the local community and is partnering with The South London Careers Hub and Construction Industry Training Board to promote career opportunities, with specific initiatives made available to students, women and care leavers. Simon Wilson, director at Willmott Dixon Interiors: “We are looking forward to supporting Sutton Council’s efforts to breathe new life into the high street. Our team has vast experience in transforming underused buildings for the benefit of local people and economies. This important refurbishment will not only deliver commercial spaces fit for the 21st century but has the potential to attract new occupiers that will encourage wider town centre regeneration too.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Willmott Dixon Interiors is to deliver the £4.4 million refurbishment of two historic buildings in Sutton, South London, as part of exciting plans to bring the town’s high street back to life. The leading fit-out and refurbishment specialist contractor will transform 137-145 High Street in Sutton town centre, on behalf of London Borough of Sutton. Willmott Dixon Interiors will protect the historic features of both four-storey buildings, while creating 20,000 sq ft of modern retail and business space. Upper floors will provide large, open plan floor spaces, while the basement and ground floor will be refurbished as separate commercial units. New M&E arrangements will also be installed. Formerly occupied by Topshop and Vision Express, the heritage buildings form part of a broader strategy to revitalise Sutton town centre, which is being led by London Borough of Sutton. The project was tendered via Procurement Hub and is part-funded by the government’s Future High Streets Fund, through which the Council secured £11.35 million to transform the town centre. Willmott Dixon Interiors has committed to investing in the local community as part of its delivery of the project. It is partnering with The South London Careers Hub and Construction Industry Training Board to promote career opportunities within the sector, with specific initiatives made available to students, women and care leavers. Simon Wilson, director at Willmott Dixon Interiors, said: “We are looking forward to supporting Sutton Council’s efforts to breathe new life into the high street. Our team has vast experience in transforming underused buildings for the benefit of local people and economies. This important refurbishment will not only deliver commercial spaces fit for the 21st century but has the potential to attract new occupiers that will encourage wider town centre regeneration too.” Carolyn Dwyer, strategic director for development, growth and regeneration at the London Borough of Sutton, said: “We’re excited about the progress being made to renovate this much-loved site. By protecting the buildings’ historic features and creating a space for new businesses, this will help to guarantee a bright future for our town centre and bring new exciting opportunities for everyone living in our borough.” Courtney Cole, client relationship manager at Procurement Hub, said: “The London Borough of Sutton has demonstrated its commendable efforts in revitalising their local high street by refurbishing the former TopShop and Vision Express stores, which emphasises their commitment to enhancing the vibrancy of the community, creating a dynamic high street that will attract increased footfall. The collaboration between Procurement Hub and Willmott Dixon Interiors has been instrumental in creating a harmonious dynamic from a procurement perspective, which will facilitate the smooth execution of the project.” Willmott Dixon Interiors has gained a reputation for the successful delivery of multi million pound town centre refurbishment projects. The contractor worked with Enfield Council to complete the CAT B fit out of flexible office and meeting space at Edmonton Library, and handed over a new children and family hub at Thomas Hardy House in Enfield, which opened last year. It has also recently completed the £18.8 million redevelopment of two vacant retail warehouse assets in Oxford to deliver Inventa, the first commercial science scheme in the city’s central science district. For more information on the regeneration of Sutton High Street, please visit: https://suttontowncentre.sutton.gov.uk/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Office Principles North has been chosen to carry out the £1.7 million CAT A refurbishment of an office building in the heart of Milton Keynes’ business district. The office fit out and design consultancy will upgrade c.10,000 sq ft on the ground, second and third floors of One Grafton Mews, Midsummer Boulevard. The new design will enhance tenant amenities through a brand new ground floor reception/welcome area, featuring social and collaborative spaces. Office Principles North will remove existing lift lobbies on the second and third floors to create additional, open plan office accommodation. New lighting will be installed, and washrooms and common areas will be refreshed. Sustainability is at the heart of the refurbishment, which will see the installation of new energy efficient M&E systems. There will also be low VOC paints, sustainable flooring products and finishes, while existing doors and raised access floors will be retained. New fire curtains will be introduced to ensure compliance with building control regulations.Office Principles North has been appointed to deliver the refurbishment following a competitive tendering process. The fast-tracked project will be completed in just 12 weeks by a team also featuring TFT, Burnley Wilson Fish and KJ Tait. Bray Fox Smith and CBRE are the letting agents. One Grafton Mews offers more than 20,000 sq ft of office accommodation and is part pre-let to Woodfines. Occupiers benefit from the use of facilities at The Pinnacle, an adjacent office development of 190,000 sq ft, home to MHA, Dentons and RSM. Tina Batham, joint managing director of Office Principles North, said: “We’re excited to be delivering this CAT A office refurbishment. One Grafton Mews is sited in a terrific location in the centre of Milton Keynes, right next to The Pinnacle, and within minutes of the train line. This project is all about making best use of that positioning by enhancing the arrival experience for occupiers and visitors, and maximising the building’s available space. We’re looking forward to the challenge of completing the refurbishment within an incredibly fast-paced programme.” For more information on One Grafton Mews, please contact retained agents, CBRE and Bray Fox Smith. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Monkwearmouth Development Ltd “MDL”(a Joint Venture between Sir Robert McAlpine Capital Ventures Limited “SRMCV”, and Argon Property Development Solutions Limited “APDS”), with funding from Railpen, proudly handed over its first development to NTW Solutions Ltd at Monkwearmouth Hospital in Sunderland last month. Located within the grounds of the existing hospital, the new modern fit for purpose building provides a welcoming, level and accessible front entrance to the main outpatient facilities. In addition to the new entrance and reception area, the new accommodation includes meeting rooms, flexible open-plan workspaces and breakout areas, and consultants’ offices on upper floors along with areas for their support teams to work in. The new building has created the perfect office environment for employees at the site and encourages collaborative working and support; all of which service users should benefit from. The building also houses a Changing Places facility, and the new ‘Café Bede’ community café is open to the general public, visitors, staff and service users across the Hospital. The new café includes areas for inside and outside dining and is home to a time capsule that was placed in the ground during the construction works; telling the story of the build, the history of the site and the previous building for people to read in years to come. Sir Robert McAlpine completed the construction of the 3,287 sq. m, three-storey building for MDL over 19 months with the facility achieving a Design stage BREEAM Excellent standard. In addition to a replacement tree lined staff car park, the development delivers level access and a beautifully landscaped piazza area including seating and extensive planting, along with a memorial garden. The external works have transformed the previous parking area that fronts onto Newcastle Road and creates better connectivity within the estate for hospital users, staff and visitors. MDL worked with NTW Solutions Limited, a limited company established by Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust, to provide premises that will enable NTW Solutions to deliver improved facilities and a range of important services to the Trust. Cumbria Northumberland Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust is one of the largest mental health and disability Trusts in England. Monkwearmouth Development Ltd is a Joint Venture between Sir Robert McAlpine Capital Ventures Limited and Argon Property Development Solutions Limited. It was appointed to this work through SRMCV’s place on the Pagabo Developer Led Framework, a nationwide procurement framework available for public sector organisations that focuses on delivering social value for each development. David Peck from Monkwearmouth Development LTD, said, “We could not be more delighted with the outcome, that has been a true collaboration between all the parties involved, who have created a building that is streets ahead of the one it replaced and that will make a significant difference to patients that rely on it for their care and the people that use it as their place of work.” David Hosken, Project Director at SRMCV, said, “We are immensely proud of delivering a unique facility using an innovative development solution, helping NTW Solutions Limited renew their estate with a quality building designed for modern ways of working. This fantastic project allows us to continue to build on our successes working alongside NHS Trusts to deliver developments with positive outcomes for the people who will use them.” Richard Wilks from Argon Property Development Solutions Ltd, said, “It has been a pleasure working with NTW Solutions, the Trust and the team on the ground who made this happen. Knowing that what we have delivered is already making such a positive difference to the staff, clinicians and service users is testament to everyone’s efforts to make this happen. We are so pleased to have been able to play our part in improving mental health services and the positive impact this development will have across the region.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Sisk has been selected by Moderna as its preferred bidder for the fit-out of its new UK drug substance and manufacturing facility at the Moderna Innovation and Technology Centre (MITC), located on the Harwell Science Campus in Oxfordshire. The MITC development will encompass a research, development and manufacturing facility, providing the UK public with access to mRNA vaccines for COVID-19 and potentially other emerging respiratory health threats. When complete the facility will have capacity to produce up to 250 million vaccines per year in the event of a pandemic, bolstering the UK’s future pandemic resilience strategy. Construction on site has already begun with the facility expected to become operational in 2025, subject to planning and regulatory approvals. This win cements Sisk’s Life Sciences & Technology team in the heart of the UK’s biopharma-rich ‘golden triangle’ between London, Oxford and Cambridge. Harwell is the UK’s leading science and innovation campus, where government, academia and industry work together to solve the critical problems facing our planet. The campus is home to £3bn national facilities and 6,000 colleagues committed to scientific discovery and understanding. Donal McCarthy, COO, Life Sciences, Data & Tech, Sisk said: “Sisk is pleased to announce that we have won our first major life sciences project in the UK. We have a demonstrable track record of working with key US blue chip clients in Ireland and across Europe. After some key appointments internally, we now have the capability to bring this skillset to the UK. We look forward to delivering a world class facility for Moderna and growing our Life Sciences offering across the UK.” Nicolas Chornet, Senior Vice President for Resilience Operations and MITC Site Head at Moderna, said: “Construction of the MITC is well underway and we are delighted to collaborate with Sisk on this vital phase of the project. Upon completion, the facility will leverage cutting-edge mRNA technology to develop innovative vaccines for the UK public and we look forward to contributing to the UK’s dynamic life science sector through the onshoring of mRNA vaccines and therapeutics.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
