Mace has been appointed as the main contractor on the refurbishment of Fleet Street’s Peterborough Court, the largest interiors project for the Group in the past decade. Construction has started on the landmark Fleet Street office development scheme, Peterborough Court, the former European headquarters of Goldman Sachs. Peterborough Court, located
Marchini Curran Interiors has announced the completion of a new senior living scheme in Watford, Hertfordshire. Mayfield Watford retirement village, which is the first to be delivered by Mayfield Villages, consists of 255 contemporary one and two-bedroom apartments for over 55s, and is now open to property owners. Located on
One of the UK’s leading joinery and interior fit-out contractors is celebrating a major milestone this spring. EE Smith Contracts in central Leicester reaches its 125th birthday – and is marking the occasion with numerous celebrations and team building events. The company goes into its 125th year of trading with
Willmott Dixon Interiors has furthered its track-record for transforming the interior of iconic London buildings, with the construction of new office accommodation at the Grade I-listed National Gallery. The fit-out and refurbishment specialist contractor has delivered additional space and state-of-the-art facilities in the east ground floor and part of the
Over the last two years, huge investments in infrastructure and machinery have enabled FGF Limited to restructure and focus on improving quality control, efficiency and communication. Recognising the value and importance of promoting Women in Construction, Kristy Driver-Gray was appointed Managing Director (The first female MD in 65 years). Along
FIS is proud to announce that we have secured £14K funding for the delivery of the new Interior Systems Trailblazer Apprenticeship in collaboration with a host of industry partners. This flagship project has been a culmination of three years of work resulting in the development of a Level 2 Apprenticeship.
Dulux has launched a new partnership as part of its Colour of the Year 2019 initiative. The joint venture with author and broadcaster, Fearne Cotton, is designed to help homeowners embrace colour in their home. The collaboration with the TV personality will also help professional decorators communicate the best use
Fast-growing office fitout and design company Saracen Interiors has won the contract to transform part of a major office building into co-working space at the heart of Dundee’s £1 billion waterfront regeneration project. Dundee One is a 50,000 sq ft landmark building, where work is due to start on Phase
FIS, representative body for the £10 billion finishes and interiors sector in the UK, announced the winners of the 2019 Fit-Out Futures Awards which were celebrated at the FIS President’s Lunch in London. Iain Mcilwee, FIS CEO said “the Fit-Out Futures Awards recognise the outstanding contributions and achievements of individuals,
THE INTERIOR architecture and design studio behind the new Gridiron restaurant within COMO Metropolitan London Hotel in Old Park Lane, Mayfair has been revealed as Nottingham-based Macaulay Sinclair. The studio, which specialises in creating exceptional spaces for the hospitality sector, has transformed the former Met Bar into the new 60-cover
Mace has been appointed as the main contractor on the refurbishment of Fleet Street’s Peterborough Court, the largest interiors project for the Group in the past decade. Construction has started on the landmark Fleet Street office development scheme, Peterborough Court, the former European headquarters of Goldman Sachs. Peterborough Court, located at 133 Fleet Street, will be remodelled to create 292,000 sq ft of curated Grade A workspace and ground floor retail across eleven floors. The iconic property offers flexible floor plates of between 16,000 sq ft and 33,000 sq ft, with access to private terraces across four floors and public courtyard open space. The scheme will be available for occupation from Q2 2024. CBRE and JLL are joint leasing agents. Peterborough Court features transformed Fleet Street and Shoe Lane building entrances, activated frontages, a long gallery entrance with new glazing, and redesigned interiors aligned to the highest sustainability standards, health and wellness and dual-feed, 100% ‘All-Electric’ technology. The building will target green building certification BREEAM status of ‘Excellent’, or better, as well as ‘Platinum’ ratings for WELL (health and well-being), Wiredscore (broadband connectivity) and ActiveScore (commuter convenience). In addition, a minimum EPC energy efficiency rating of ‘B’ rating will be achieved. Peterborough Court has excellent transport and cycle connections adjacent to the Fleet Street conservation area. The property will offer c. 600 cycle spaces, EV charging points, luxury showers, lockers, changing and support facilities to appeal to London’s cyclist commuter market. The design features SMART technology, outdoor spaces, attractive on-site F&B amenities and impressive leisure facilities. The building is expected to exceed LETI 2030 and RIBA Climate Challenge 2030 embodied carbon targets. The £120 million investment programme for Peterborough Court is managed by Broadwater Capital. Mace, the international construction and consultancy firm, has been appointed as the main contractor on the scheme and will be supported by JRA for architectural services and BDP for structures and lighting. Gardiner & Theobald provide Project Management and Cost Consultancy services and Gerald Eve act as the planning advisor. Building, Design and Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Marchini Curran Interiors has announced the completion of a new senior living scheme in Watford, Hertfordshire. Mayfield Watford retirement village, which is the first to be delivered by Mayfield Villages, consists of 255 contemporary one and two-bedroom apartments for over 55s, and is now open to property owners. Located on Heron Place, close to Watford General Hospital and less than a mile to the town’s retail centre, the new community features landscaped communal gardens, swimming pool, sauna and steam room, gym, beauty treatment rooms and a café-bistro. Midlands-based Marchini Curran Interiors was appointed on the scheme in 2017, to create an interior concept and lead the procurement of furniture, lighting and artwork. The now complete interior design scheme at the village is rooted in Scandinavian style, with a focus on biophilic design – bringing the outside in. The interior is orientated around a central garden with all interior spaces having a visual link to it. “This is a significant and impressive scheme which we are incredibly proud to have delivered. To create a concept from scratch, unlike anything else in the UK, was a real joy to bring to life. We undertook detailed market research in the UK and the US, Australia, New Zealand and Scandinavia for inspiration. With this intelligence we took a fresh approach to designing for contemporary retirement villages, with minimal, clean lines – moving away from the stereotype style often found at senior living developments,” said Christopher Taylor, Design Director at Marchini Curran Interiors. “As part of the design process, we broke down the boundary between defined spaces synonymous with retirement living and instead created a largely open plan interior that can ebb and flow, expand and contract, allowing the spaces to adapt to the activities at hand.” The village is part of the new urban development, Watford Riverwell, which will bring new homes, community, leisure and retail facilities, set in more than 4.5 acres of green open space. “Watford is our first Mayfield Village and it meets the ever-increasing demand for more high-quality retirement options across the UK. Helping people to maintain their independence and actively improve their health and wellbeing should be key to how we look after people as they get older. Marchini Curran listened to what the market wants in terms of the environment they live in and have delivered this with great style,” concluded Nick Sanderson, CEO of Mayfield Villages. Building, Design and Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
One of the UK’s leading joinery and interior fit-out contractors is celebrating a major milestone this spring. EE Smith Contracts in central Leicester reaches its 125th birthday – and is marking the occasion with numerous celebrations and team building events. The company goes into its 125th year of trading with its largest ever order book, totalling an impressive £115 million, which will lead to record annual revenues of £60 million this year and £70 million next year. To support the ongoing business growth and with eyes on the future, they continue to expand their award-winning apprenticeship scheme. This year, the business is increasing its number of employees more than ever before across its factory and site operations with 40 apprentices currently earning while learning across various departments in London and Leicester. The business was founded back in 1897 by Edward Elijah Smith who supplied and repaired gas stoves and chandeliers from Canning Street, Leicester. In 1937, he employed 14-year-old apprentice Basil Richardson who, after serving in the Second World War, returned to find Mr Smith in poor health, leaving Basil as the managing director and foreman at just 22! Basil put the company back on the road to prosperity, and later taught his eldest sons, Rodney and Nigel, who worked their way up through the business to take over in 1989. Under their guidance, EE Smith Contracts continued to thrive when the company expanded and developed into the super prime residential and five-star hotel market before a management buy-out in 2016, including Basil’s youngest son John Richardson. Rodney Richardson said there are not many companies in its sector that have been in existence for as long as EE Smith Contracts and with such a wide breadth of experience. “We have always delivered to a very high quality, with a real customer focus and I think that has been vital to our success and longevity,” he said. This trade-based, directly employed but customer centric approach to the joinery and interior-fit out sector led the company to undertake some of the most iconic projects across London such as the Savoy Hotel, Battersea Power Station, the Houses of Parliament, One Hyde Park Penthouses and The Corinthia Hotel. Further testament to the excellence EE Smith has continued to offer over the decades is the 40-year continuing relationship with the Edwardian hotel group, culminating in the recent fit out of The Londoner Hotel in Leicester Square which is the largest in the company’s history and included a full fit out of 355 bedrooms and bathrooms and all of the public area spaces. Neil Bottrill, managing director at EE Smith Contracts, said that the 125-year milestone was an incredible achievement and was a testament to the hard work and skill base throughout the company and the loyalty of the staff who give the business, despite its size, a real family feel. “Our current portfolio of projects is amongst the best in the UK fit-out and joinery markets and we have every reason to believe that further exciting times are ahead for the business,” he said. “We are growing year-on-year and we currently have 40 apprentices, doubling last year’s apprentice joiner workforce. We hope they will rise through the ranks and be an asset to the company as we teach them the skills we have always relied on for EE Smith Contracts to prosper. “Despite our evolution over the years our core values established by Edward Elijah Smith in 1897 are the same, as we strive to deliver the highest quality product and service whilst operating as a close-knit community, with our incredible people at the forefront of our success. “We will continue using the latest cutting-edge technology and seamlessly merging this with our unparalleled craftsmanship to continue setting the standard in our industry. Here’s to the next 125 years!”
Willmott Dixon Interiors has furthered its track-record for transforming the interior of iconic London buildings, with the construction of new office accommodation at the Grade I-listed National Gallery. The fit-out and refurbishment specialist contractor has delivered additional space and state-of-the-art facilities in the east ground floor and part of the existing basement areas of the world-famous gallery on Trafalgar Square. The scheme, called the Accommodation Hub, has created a six-floor courtyard infill extension that will provide offices for over 250 members of staff who will be relocating from existing offices in the neighbouring St Vincent House and the Gallery’s Wilkins Building. The back of house works included the removal of partitions, subdivisions and lowered ceilings throughout the central ground floor area and the creation of a modern and flexible working environment with high ceilings. Two covered atria have been created in the office lightwell and Belvedere lightwells, and new floors have been inserted in the eight-storey office lightwell to provide new office space. The basement areas have also been overhauled to provide additional storage and meeting space and the original brickwork of the extended part of the building, designed by Edward M Barry, has been sympathetically restored. It is the latest project to be completed by Willmott Dixon Interiors at the National Gallery, following the contractor’s complete refurbishment of Gallery 32, which reopened to the public as ‘The Julia and Hans Rausing Room’ in July 2020. One of the largest and most visited rooms of the National Gallery, it displays 17th-century Italian paintings by artists including Caravaggio, Artemisia and Orazio Gentileschi, Guido Reni and Guercino. Graham Shaw, managing director of Willmott Dixon Interiors, said: ”It has been a real privilege to deliver further enhancements to the National Gallery. The creation of new and modern office accommodation will greatly benefit the gallery’s existing workforce, providing significantly upgraded facilities that will offer opportunities for flexible working and collaboration. We’re incredibly proud to have delivered this project following the successful full refurbishment of Gallery 32 last year. It further demonstrates our track-record for transforming historic buildings and improving visitor experiences for years to come.” Delivered by main contractor, Willmott Dixon Interiors, the project team included architects, Purcell; structural engineer, The Morton Partnership; Andrew Reid & Partners as services engineer; Faithful+Gould as QS and commissioning manager; fire consultant, IFC; planning consultant, Montagu Evans; and acoustic consultant, Waterman Acoustics.
Over the last two years, huge investments in infrastructure and machinery have enabled FGF Limited to restructure and focus on improving quality control, efficiency and communication. Recognising the value and importance of promoting Women in Construction, Kristy Driver-Gray was appointed Managing Director (The first female MD in 65 years). Along with the experienced senior management team, Kristy has implemented numerous progressive changes across the business, including relocating the North West operation to new, much larger premises. Kristy said “We play an important role in the construction and engineering industries, manufacturing and supplying products across the UK. Customer service is at the forefront of our organisation and our diverse knowledge on sectors and products makes FGF a unique business” With over 65 years servicing the industry, FGF manufactures and supplies products including facades, insulation and fire protection along with a vast range of bespoke cut, machined and bonded products. A fleet of FORS accredited and Moffett vehicles provide a nationwide distribution service straight to site. One of the owners, Gerard Abbott Drake says “In the current climate, we have the opportunity to prepare and plan for the future. Sustainable, profitable growth can only be accomplished by constantly evolving and improving our quality and customer service. I am confident the team we now have in place will deliver that”. FGF Limited supplies non-combustible cladding, insulation and fire protection products, and provides value added services such as manufacturing, CNC machining and fabrication services to the construction and engineering industries.
FIS is proud to announce that we have secured £14K funding for the delivery of the new Interior Systems Trailblazer Apprenticeship in collaboration with a host of industry partners. This flagship project has been a culmination of three years of work resulting in the development of a Level 2 Apprenticeship. The Interior Systems occupations are both skilled and very diverse in their needs and hence it was very important to develop a model that is fit for purpose and simple for sector delivery. The end result is a Level 2 Apprenticeship that provides a core and two pathway options across a minimum of 18-month delivery. The working group, chaired by Helen Tapper from Tapper Interiors and vice president of FIS, comprised a broad group of representatives from the whole sector, including manufacturers, sub-contractors, colleges and training providers to ensure all stakeholder perspectives were covered. FIS co-ordinated the development with the Institute for Apprenticeships &Technical Education (IfATE). Helen Tapper, vice president of FIS said “this is the first time that a ‘Trailblazer’ Apprenticeship has been developed for our sector, following on from FIS becoming a consensus federation. This gives our sector the status and recognition that it so rightly deserves. It was an honour to chair a group who worked methodically and thoroughly to produce a standard, that is fit for the future of our sector. I am grateful to all group members who so readily gave their time to produce both the standard and the end point assessment” The working group agreed that a core and pathway options approach was the only way to provide the sector with the right skilled outcomes for each individual entering the industry. The core incorporates the standard skills and knowledge required of any interior systems installer and requires an end point assessment separate to a final one for their chosen specialist area. The options are -: – Drylining – methods to install different drylining systems that form the walls and rooms within a building, often used to hide wires and pipes whilst improving acoustics and create space for insulation. – Ceiling and partitions – incorporates different ceiling and partition systems within a building. used to provide different types of working environments, taking account of lighting and other fixtures. Training providers and FE colleges are now being invited to apply to deliver the standard in readiness for the new academic year. FIS have already got interest from employers in all regions interested in taking on new apprentices identified through the forward planning of FIS Skills Clinics we’ve run with our members. FIS have developed an excellent network of college and training provision that underpins all the training developed for the sector and are always keen to add more to this. Hopefully, now this standard is available for delivery and we can widen the network to enable more employers to access and encourage new entrants into the industry. Iain McIlwee, CEO at FIS said “this new standard will help raise awareness of the fantastic career opportunities and attract the 1500 new entrants needed in the finishes and interiors sector”
Dulux has launched a new partnership as part of its Colour of the Year 2019 initiative. The joint venture with author and broadcaster, Fearne Cotton, is designed to help homeowners embrace colour in their home. The collaboration with the TV personality will also help professional decorators communicate the best use of colour to their customers and encourage homeowners to embrace new, ‘on trend’ shades in their homes. The videos produced with Fearne talk about how to create stylish interiors and will act as a tool for professional painters and decorators to demonstrate how and why the Dulux Colour of the Year, Spiced Honey™️ and the supporting ColourFutures™️ 2019 palettes work so well in the home. “I’m fascinated by the science of colour and the power it has over mood and behaviour. Changing your home – your most personal space – has the power to create positive change in all areas of your life, from creating a space to think to empowering us to act. Spiced Honey™️ is about fostering a sense of positivity with the outside world again. It’s about letting the light in,” commented Fearne. 2019 marks the 16th year of the global ColourFutures™ annual trend forecast from Dulux Trade. An expert panel of colour designers, design specialists, trend forecasters, architects and editors from around the world joined together to capture a universal theme, resulting in a colour that suitably embodies our mood of the moment for the year ahead – leading to Spiced Honey™️ to represent 2019. “Supporting professional decorators is a key priority and we know that their customers are often seeking reassurance before they commit to a new colour in the home,” said Karen Wilkinson, Dulux Trade Marketing Lead. “Fearne Cotton is someone that the homeowner audience can really relate to and we hope that by partnering with her and producing assets for everyone to see and use, we’re making the job that little bit easier for painters and decorators, who pride themselves on giving every customer a brilliant finish.” “It’s not an easy job to convince proud homeowners to trust you to redecorate their most personal spaces, so anything we can do to help our professional decorators to do this is worthwhile. Helping our trades professionals communicate the added benefits of colour in the home will help them build their businesses and stand out from the competition,” Karen added.
Fast-growing office fitout and design company Saracen Interiors has won the contract to transform part of a major office building into co-working space at the heart of Dundee’s £1 billion waterfront regeneration project. Dundee One is a 50,000 sq ft landmark building, where work is due to start on Phase One, the fit-out of 8,800 sq ft on the top floor, this month (February) with completion expected in May. Saracen Interiors has been involved in space planning the project for the past six months. The interiors company, which saw a 30 per cent leap in sales in 2018, was approached to space plan the new co-working space for owners Jute Properties. Saracen worked closely with the Jute team and residential interior specialist Salvesen Graham to create high quality thoughtful, design-led co-working and private office space, coupled with stunning views over the River Tay. Michael Page, Director at Saracen Interiors, said: “We are extremely proud to be involved in this huge and inspiring regeneration project for Dundee One. We have been heavily involved both in the space planning and in delivering the overall functionality of the space, and we were delighted to then be appointed to complete this exciting build.” The Grade A office building is a prominent feature on Dundee’s waterfront, whose regeneration has included a new rail station and a V&A Museum, officially opened by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge in January this year (2019). The transformation of Dundee City Waterfront, which encompasses 240 hectares of development land stretching 8km alongside the River Tay, is a 30-year project that began in 2001. Its vision is to transform the City of Dundee into a world leading waterfront destination for visitors and businesses through the enhancement of its physical, economic and cultural assets. Forward-thinking Jute Properties completed the purchase of the building in February 2018 recognising Dundee’s potential, with plans to create a mix of traditional leased offices and flexible serviced offices, redefining the workplace to create an environment suited to modern working lifestyles and agile business. They are well on their way to achieving their targets with several new high-quality international tenants taking occupation and demand and pre-lets for their co-working space high. Private fixed office spaces for concentrated bursts of work and a series of formal meeting rooms and phone booths sit alongside luxurious social spaces designed for engaging with both colleagues and clients. Beautifully designed breakout areas and a coffee bar, with views over the dramatic waters of the Tay, allow you to step away from your desk, and generate the great ideas which will drive your business forward. Combined, all this adds up to an agile work environment where businesses thrive, and employees can truly feel at home. The owners announced they were responding to growing demand for co-working spaces and serviced offices. The co-working and flexible serviced office sector is the fastest growing commercial property sector worldwide and this will be a first Grade A serviced office for Dundee. Saracen is working on similar projects in other UK cities, as office building owners and co-working companies move towards more flexible workspaces. Demand for refits to respond to the growth in flexible working has been one of the reasons that the interiors company has grown rapidly in recent years. It is forecasting turnover in 2019 that will be close to double its sales volume last year. It is working on projects across the UK from its head office in Aldershot, Hampshire, and its growing northern division managed from its Manchester office. The company’s northern division has seen rapid growth with projects in Leeds, Sunderland and other locations in the north of England as well as Scotland. Saracen Interiors is the official workspace partner for clients including Dimension Data, Aggreko in London and Newsquest Media Group for whom it has worked on projects nationwide. Other large clients include Creative Foods Europe and Tata Communications. www.saraceninteriors.com
FIS, representative body for the £10 billion finishes and interiors sector in the UK, announced the winners of the 2019 Fit-Out Futures Awards which were celebrated at the FIS President’s Lunch in London. Iain Mcilwee, FIS CEO said “the Fit-Out Futures Awards recognise the outstanding contributions and achievements of individuals, who have demonstrated excellence, dedication and commitment to their personal development, organisation and the finishes and interiors community. All the nominees were outstanding candidates and it was an honour to meet, host and award them” The event saw 300 FIS members and their guests come together to see the winners revealed in the delightful surroundings of Plaisterers’ Hall. Congratulations to all the winners and the shortlisted entrants. Apprentice of the Year Award WINNER: John Taylor – Stortford Interiors The judges commented that John was clearly a talented tradesman and that he was also changing attitudes internally about the positive benefits that an apprentice can bring to his company. John was also praised for his understanding of the importance of his work and the need to follow guidelines. He continues to develop as a fantastic example of why the modern apprenticeship system will shape our industry for the future. The award was presented by Sarah Beale, Chief Executive of CITB and Iain Mcilwee CEO of FIS. RUNNER UP: Danny Beadle – Pexhurst Services Danny was recognised for his commitment to all aspects of the day-to-day site role, as well as his dedication to learning and improving his skill-set. Future Leader Award – sponsored by CCF WINNER: Simon Broggio – Meronden Simon is an exemplar of how someone can enter the construction sector as a labourer and with the right attitude and work ethic work their way up to take on a Level 6 Construction Site Managers course. He is already a natural leader and an asset to the finishes and interiors sector. The award was presented by Dean Pinner, Managing Director of CCF Ltd and Iain Mcilwee CEO of FIS. Olton Bridge, 245 Warwick Road Solihull, West Midlands B92 7AH Telephone 0121 707 0077 Email info@thefis.org Website www.thefis.org RUNNER UP: Richard Austen – Stortford Interiors Richard was awarded runner-up due to his enthusiasm to adopt new ways of working and new technologies. He was also recognised for his ability to manage both his peers and his superiors. Outstanding Employee Award WINNER: Matt Taylor – Astins With more than 18 years’ experience in the industry, Matt was recognised for his never-ending energy and professionalism for design and to the sector. The award was presented by Nathan Garnett, Event Director at Media 10 Limited and Iain Mcilwee CEO of FIS. RUNNER UP: Ed Kelly – ETAG Fixings Ed was commended for his exceptional reliability, quality of work, initiative and professionalism, as well as his commitment to Etag’s work values. Lifetime Achievement Award – sponsored by CCF Ray Deeks – G Cook & Sons Ray was chosen as the recipient of this award for demonstrating a lifetime’s dedication to his trade. In particular, he was applauded for the amount of his own time he has committed to sharing his wealth of knowledge and experience with the wider industry. The judges said: “We all owe Ray a vote of thanks for the legacy that he continues to leave.” The award was presented by Dean Pinner, Managing Director of CCF Ltd and Iain Mcilwee CEO of FIS.
THE INTERIOR architecture and design studio behind the new Gridiron restaurant within COMO Metropolitan London Hotel in Old Park Lane, Mayfair has been revealed as Nottingham-based Macaulay Sinclair. The studio, which specialises in creating exceptional spaces for the hospitality sector, has transformed the former Met Bar into the new 60-cover restaurant and bar, which opened this autumn. Headed up by co-directors John Macaulay and Mike Sinclair, the studio has worked with a number of well-known multi-site and independent restaurant and bar operators across London and beyond, including Hawksmoor, Dishoom and Wright Brothers. Mike Sinclair said: “The Met Bar was a go-to London destination and the celebrity haunt of the nineties and noughties era. We are proud to have been part of the team to bring an indulgent and intimate dining experience into such a landmark location.” The prestigious venue will be overseen by renowned chef Richard H. Turner of Turner and George, Blacklock, Hawksmoor and Meatopia. Mike continued: “In order to give the new restaurant and bar its own identity while remaining synonymous with the COMO brand the interior design has been kept simple and understated, providing a subtle backdrop for Turner’s kitchen.” Paying homage to the art of grilling over an open fire, the new restaurant has an open kitchen with modern live-fire grillroom. The interior is dominated by monochrome palette throughout, with accents of red, dark wood and marble. Wall finishings remain simple and sleek, and the stripped back furniture matches the ethos of the food and service: comfort and style without unnecessary formality. The restaurant’s history, menu and ethos are also communicated through a collection of carefully curated drawings depicting historic cooking implements and meat cuts, communicating the origins of the live-fire restaurant cooking and the provenance of the produce. “With every project that we work on we take into consideration the heritage of the building itself as well as the brand narrative,” added Mike. “Transforming such an iconic London location was really exciting for us. It was also our first time working with the COMO brand and we’re thrilled with the result.” For more information about Macaulay Sinclair visit www.macaulaysinclair.com
