Type
CAT A strip out and refurbishment
Client
Aixom
Locations
Oxford Street, London
Value
Confidential
Role
Principal contractor
Duration
14 weeks
Background
CAT A strip out and refurbishment carried out over 8 year period to occupied commercial office/retail building off Oxford Street.
Solutions
Between 2011 and 2022, a rolling programme of works was delivered across multiple floors of the building, progressively upgrading the office accommodation to high quality CAT A space while the property remained in occupation.
In 2011, the 6th floor (A and B) was stripped out and fully refurbished to CAT A standard, including lobbies and WCs, over a three month period covering approximately 20,000 sq ft. In 2012, a 4,000 sq ft subdivision project was completed on the 4th floor within a one month programme.
During 2013, a major 14 week scheme delivered strip out and CAT A works to the 2nd and 3rd floors, including associated lobbies and toilets, over approximately 53,000 sq ft. This was followed in 2014 by further CAT A refurbishments to the 6th floor C (circa 5,000 sq ft) and to the 7th floor (around 23,000 sq ft), again including toilets and lift lobbies.
From 2016 to 2022, additional phases were undertaken across the 1st, 4th, 5th and 6th floors, delivering further strip out and CAT A upgrades, including all WCs and lobbies, over an area of approximately 108,000 sq ft. A key element of the later phases involved the removal of the main core through the centre of the building at 1st floor level, which presented a tight programme, limited access and complex logistics due to the building remaining occupied.
Results
To meet programme and minimise disruption to tenants, works were carefully phased and supported by extended working hours, with site operations running 24 hours a day, seven days a week at critical stages. All major and noisy activities were scheduled out of hours to avoid impacting the wider building.
The completed floors provide contemporary, loft style open plan office space with high specification finishes, successfully attracting blue chip and creative occupiers including Microsoft (Xbox division), digital agency Essense, and luxury goods group LVMH.
