BELFAST fit-out specialist Portview is bathing in glory after completing a major contract in Liverpool on what is the world’s biggest Lush Fresh Handmade Cosmetics store. Five times bigger than the previous store and spread over three customer-facing floors, the new 1,380 sq metres Lush Liverpool – which is big
Mace Interiors has been appointed to deliver Woolwich’s new Creative District, which will see a historic military complex transformed into a major cultural destination. Mace’s fit-out will work alongside architect Bennetts Associates and creative consultancy The Chase and Land Design Studio on the project. Phase one of the project has already
Leading UK construction, refurbishment and fit-out company, Gilbert-Ash, has strengthened its senior team with six internal promotions. The company has promoted four Project Directors and two Senior Surveyors, building on the wealth of expertise already across the team. Gilbert-Ash recently announced its financial results for the year ended 31 December
Award-winning UK construction, refurbishment and fit out contractor, Gilbert-Ash, has recently completed an extensive £16.2m rebuilding and remodelling of UCL’s renowned Faculty of Laws facilities in Camden, London. The works connected the University’s past with its future, fully integrating a Grade II listed building, Bentham House, with a neighbouring mid-20th
BELFAST fit-out specialist Portview is bathing in glory after completing a major contract in Liverpool on what is the world’s biggest Lush Fresh Handmade Cosmetics store. Five times bigger than the previous store and spread over three customer-facing floors, the new 1,380 sq metres Lush Liverpool – which is big enough to hold nine million of its famous bath bombs – has opened its doors after a nine-month transformation. The scheme by Lush’s in-house design team and international architecture firm Hyphen was executed by Portview with an emphasis on enhancing the building’s original features. Portview managing director Simon Campbell said: “We’ve a fantastic relationship with Lush and share their passion for protecting the planet. “We worked in close collaboration with both the client team and Hyphen to ensure Lush’s high environmental standards were upheld at each stage of the process, from the sustainable design choices through to the responsible sourcing, restoring and repurposing of recycled materials to help reduce our carbon footprint significantly. “This has been one of our most iconic retail projects to date and it’s a proud moment for us to see it come to life.” Materials include reclaimed timbers, brick and silver tiles, which complement the injection of fresh, citrus colours from the 300 new products on display. Lush says that a time when revitalisation is needed more than ever, the new destination shop aims to bring more innovation and creative personal experiences than ever before to the high street. The chain’s co-founder & managing director Mark Constantine said: “Liverpool is full of opportunities. We’ve had a lot of experience in this city for a long time and the new shop is geared up to what customers here need. We look forward to encouraging people to use our products before they go to work or out that night.”
Mace Interiors has been appointed to deliver Woolwich’s new Creative District, which will see a historic military complex transformed into a major cultural destination. Mace’s fit-out will work alongside architect Bennetts Associates and creative consultancy The Chase and Land Design Studio on the project. Phase one of the project has already commenced and it involves the redevelopment of five Grade II listed buildings, the delivery of a 1200-seat venue, three professional studios, two community studios, three professional/educational studios, two reception spaces, public spaces and a café/bar. It is expected to be completed some time during 2020. Woolich Creative District will bring a significant boost to local development, with 400 long-term jobs expected to be created as a result of the work. Mace Interiors will also be supporting the local area, offering a number of construction apprenticeships and graduate placements on the project. “The development of Woolwich Creative District begins a new chapter in this history of Woolwich and will make the town a destination for Londoners and visitors from across the country. Punchdrunk is a truly world class organisation and I’m thrilled that so many internationally renowned artists and companies are making Woolwich their home; cementing its position as a new cultural hub, which will benefit communities across the wider borough. We are absolutely committed to ensuring local people feel the effects of this development by embedding community benefits into leases and contracts across the board,” commented Cllr Danny Thorpe, Leader of Royal Borough of Greenwich. Other important announcements included Punchdrunk as a resident company for the Creative District and the appointment of Valerie Vaughan-Dick as the Chair of the Woolwich Creative District Operating Trust.
Leading UK construction, refurbishment and fit-out company, Gilbert-Ash, has strengthened its senior team with six internal promotions. The company has promoted four Project Directors and two Senior Surveyors, building on the wealth of expertise already across the team. Gilbert-Ash recently announced its financial results for the year ended 31 December 2017. The results confirm a 50% increase in pre-tax profits to reach over £2, up from £1.4m in 2016. With results driven by the dedicated 180-strong team, the contractor reported an overall turnover of £165.5m, an increase from £148m in the previous year. It aims to build on this success with the recent Project Director and Senior Surveyor promotions, tapping into the strong potential that has been developed within the company. Whilst carrying out multiple complex projects across the UK and beyond, Gilbert-Ash has been striving to improve its workforce culture and inspiring working environment, through continual investment in its people and innovation. Sean Doran, John Davis, Ciaran Begley and Rodney Coalter have each been appointed as Project Directors, with Paul Carroll and Lyndon Park both promoted to Senior Surveyors. This allows their knowledge to be utilised at a strategic level and for each of them to help guide the company as it moves into a successful future. Ray Hutchinson, Managing Director, Gilbert-Ash commented: “This is an exciting time for Gilbert-Ash as we match our industry success with several in-house promotions to new senior positions. This demonstrates the talent, skills and expertise that Gilbert-Ash possesses, not only at the top level but running throughout the entire team from the ground up.” Current projects include John Davis leading the team at the new £17m Royal College of Pathologists headquarters in London, whilst Ciaran Begley is sharing his expertise at the redevelopment of the Royal College of Music in South Kensington. Additionally, Lyndon Park is readying the £19.5m Cambridge Mosque for completion in December this year. Rodney Coalter is currently working with the team to finalise the refurbishment of Bristol Old Vic, rediscovering its theatrical heritage. The company also continues to work with hotel group Whitbread on numerous concurrent projects, led by Sean Doran and Paul Carroll. As Whitbread Supplier of the Year 2017, Gilbert-Ash’s work takes place across the UK and includes its next generation, technology-enabled Premier Inn hub hotels. Each of the Project Directors and Senior Surveyors joined Gilbert-Ash in the early stages of their career, with Sean Doran and Lyndon Park both joining during their placement year. This demonstrates Gilbert-Ash’s cohesive work culture that has led to an employee retention rate of 87%. Ray Hutchinson added: “Our team of Project Directors and Senior Surveyors will help shape the future of construction at Gilbert-Ash through their determined work ethic and skilled attention to detail. I congratulate each of them on their success and look forward to seeing what the future holds under their steer. The company’s strong growth is driven by our continued focus and investment in both our chosen markets and our people.” Gilbert-Ash recently received the renowned accolade of Contractor of the Year at the Construction News Awards 2018. It has also been shortlisted for Contractor of the Year (up to £300m) at the Building Awards 2018. Over the past 12 months, it has performed strongly on a national level with several high-profile projects, including the £21.5m AC by Marriott Hotel in Belfast City Quays and the £19.5m Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts project in London.
Award-winning UK construction, refurbishment and fit out contractor, Gilbert-Ash, has recently completed an extensive £16.2m rebuilding and remodelling of UCL’s renowned Faculty of Laws facilities in Camden, London. The works connected the University’s past with its future, fully integrating a Grade II listed building, Bentham House, with a neighbouring mid-20th century building, Hillel House which housed the Gideon Schreier and Graduate Wings, within the predominantly Georgian conservation area. The adjacent building was significantly remodelled including a major extension at the rear and a completely new exterior façade with Portland stone, complementing UCL Laws original historic home. With a growing UCL student and Faculty body, Gilbert-Ash delivered a high-quality, technically advanced, bright space, reflecting modern methods of learning. Working closely with leading architects Levitt Bernstein, the development also comprises a central social hub, state-of-the-art research facilities and cutting-edge office and teaching areas. The two buildings are now linked across all levels, with floor-to-ceiling windows, maximising the natural light and a new spacious atrium improving the student and Faculty experience. The development incorporates sustainability features, including a bio-diverse roof with photovoltaic arrays. Rodney Coalter, Project Manager, Gilbert-Ash, commented, “Working closely with UCL, Levitt Bernstein and the whole redevelopment supply chain, we are really pleased with the high-end teaching facility that has been created. It enhances the learning environment and experience for both students and faculty, as well as visitors and alumni. Recognising the renowned reputation of UCL, the redevelopment also aims to build on the traditions and character of the University whilst providing an extended, modern space for continued ambitious learning and socialising.” Professor Piet Eeckhout, Dean, UCL Laws said: “I am absolutely thrilled to have the pleasure to welcome the Faculty back home to Bentham House. UCL Laws has, at long last, a home fit for our world-leading research, teaching and social enterprise. The project has given the Faculty more than a building: it’s given us an inspiring environment in which our whole community can come together.” Professor Dame Hazel Genn, UCL Project Sponsor said, “At the very core of the vision for redeveloping Bentham House has always been how the building will support, inspire and motivate the world-class teaching and thriving research culture within UCL Laws. “The highly creative plans for the building have seamlessly married the much-loved traditional spaces with bright, modern facilities, giving our Faculty a home that reflects and respects its heritage, while also supporting and driving its forward-thinking, global agenda.” The UCL Faculty of Laws development is part of a larger scheme, Transforming UCL, the largest capital programme in the university’s history. It will see substantial investment of over £1.2 billion over a 10-year period to refurbish and develop some of UCL’s most iconic buildings whilst also bringing forward new world class buildings to enable continued growth. Highly detailed design, advanced logistical planning and development goes into every Gilbert-Ash project, with the team skilled in delivering the finest quality projects in the UK and globally. For more information on Gilbert-Ash visit www.gilbert-ash.com
