A former B&M store on Bowers Retail Park gave Wickes the opportunity to establish a presence in Widnes, set amongst the staple Retail Park brands. Whilst the location showed promise, the unit itself needed much more than just a refresh. Widnes was one of the most challenging projects Wickes have taken on to date to the scale and also the risk associated with a building in such a tired condition. The ICON team were selected through the competitive tender process; but more importantly we were seen as a safe pair of hands to deliver this complex project.
The challenge we faced here was the sheer scale of refurbishment required and finding the right sequence, phasing, and zonal strategy to maintain safe working conditions.
With re-roofing works, rooflight replacement, multiple new openings formed into the external façade, high level M&E works, floor grinding and sealing, all new racking, and of course the kitchen and bathroom showroom; we had to make sure the programme was perfectly planned out and stringently adhered to. We had just 12 weeks to completely transform this neglected unit.
The number of moving parts and high risk activities was clearly going to demand a highly collaborative approach with very clear channels of communication. Part of our preparation included a bespoke comms strategy to deliver this project safely and on time.
It’s hard to believe it’s the same building. The transformation starts with large scale demolition works at the front of the store, along with a huge new entrance signage structure, total respray of all four elevations including the roof tiles, all new roof lights, all new waterproof roof coating, new entrance and exit doors, showroom curtain wall glazing, roller shutter doors, and an extended concrete base turning circle complete the external alterations.
Internally, it was a complete strip out back to shell ready for fit out, which included a complete respray throughout, all new mechanical and electrical systems, all new WC’s, a polished concrete floor, new tills, the kitchen and bathroom showroom, all new back of house areas, and of course the DIY store area with racking and signage.
This project safely inducted over 200 people, operating with a running average of 75 people on site at any one point in time, all without accident or incident. A testament to our team, our systems, and our supply chain.
Our team are ready and waiting to hear about your project.
0330 133 2569enquiries@iconprojects.co.uk
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