Retail

Co-op food store refit, Glasgow Road, Dumbarton

Project:The brief from the client was to carry out the internal and external refurbishment of their food store located on Glasgow Road in Dumbarton, Scotland. As the turnkey contractor, we were responsible for the entire process from scoping the works, preparing the costs, appointing the key subcontractors, planning the works, implementation of the works through to completion and handover. The refit involved replacing the existing fixtures and fittings, refrigeration and brand package on one level. We also had to open up an old Post Office area and reintegrate this into the sales floor.

Contract duration: 3 weeks, initial project value - £350k

Scope of works:

- External
Remove the existing shop-front glazing and replace with new laminated glazing, install new auto sliding door, re-render the front and side elevations, repairs to the fascia, repairs to the roof and external decoration.

- Internal Sales floor
Remove all existing fixtures and fittings and refrigeration, open up old Post Office area, install new floor covering, replace all the ceiling tiles, replace existing kiosk and backline, installation of new fixtures and fittings, installation of new remote refrigeration cases, cladding to exposed walls and columns and decoration.

- Internal Warehouse
Removal of existing shelving and redundant kitchen worktop area, installation of new walk in chiller and freezer, redecoration and air-management to combat the heat from the walk-in units.

- Internal CDF
Strip out the existing bond room and install new CDF (bakery) prep-room to current standards - this included a new ceiling, lighting and power, hygienic cladding to all walls, new base units and worktops, wash hand basin, utensil sink, non-slip flooring and decorations.

- Internal Canteen
Strip out the existing canteen and install new ceiling, lighting and power, new base/wall units and worktops, sink, non-slip flooring and decorations.

- Internal Office
Strip out the existing office and install new ceiling, lighting and power, new worktops, flooring and decorations.

Challenges: The first challenge was highlighted at the prestart when we were advised that there would only be a four day closure to complete the works within the sales area and one of these days was set aside for the operational team to re-merchandise. With careful planning and phasing of the new floor tiling, we managed to meet the tight deadline and the store opened for normal trading on time.

The second challenge became apparent after the strip out - no external earth had been supplied to the building by the energy company. This was quickly dealt with by the installation of a temporary earth rod which had to be cut through the concrete floor slab. We contacted the regional electricity company and instructed them to install a new permanent earth. Once this had been done, we co-ordinated the changeover from the temporary to the permanent solution which involved third-party retail and residential property owners. The changeover went ahead as planned with minimum disruption to all concerned.

The refit was well received by the client and the transformation to the store exceeded expectations. The project was delivered on time and for £50k below the original budget; this saving was made through valued engineering and revised planning methodology throughout the project. 

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