Project overview
This project involved the full transformation of a long-disused former Co-Op retail unit and an unoccupied flat above into a modern commercial space, refurbished pizza shop, and two high-quality residential flats. The building had been vacant for more than a decade at ground-floor level, while the flat above had not been inhabited for around 21 years.
The scheme required extensive structural, fire-protection and refurbishment work, alongside significant external improvements, to bring the building back into use for the local community.
Scope of work
The former Co-Op unit was stripped back completely, including the demolition of a small warehouse area and removal of the concrete slab. The space then underwent a full refurbishment with a new kitchen and toilets, fireproofing to ceilings, new suspended ceilings, complete rewiring and new plumbing installations. Fire protection was applied to steelwork, soundproofing was added, and blockwork was removed to create a new bespoke window opening.
The flat above required an equally extensive programme. All lath and plaster ceilings were removed, new timber floors were installed, and new metal stud walls were constructed, insulated and boarded. As the single flat was reconfigured into two flats, significant fireproofing measures were implemented. The flats were fully rewired and replumbed, replastered throughout, fitted with new fire doors, decorated, and completed with new floor coverings in both the flats and the landlord’s areas.
Externally, the building received new roof works including a valley replacement, large areas of repointing, new UPVC windows to the rear, a new external doorway, and secondary glazing to three existing front windows. The rear area was upgraded with a large patio, new fencing, bench seating, planting, and K-Rend to the former Co-Op walls and part of the retaining wall. The car park was relined and new solar panels were installed on the commercial unit.
The pizza shop on site was also refurbished, with a new toilet and prep area, rewiring, new plumbing, new fire alarms and a new suspended ceiling.
Specialist or unusual aspects
The fire protection required bespoke solutions. Several areas had no standard tested detail available, meaning the fire protection contractor had to design compliant solutions which were then reviewed and approved by consultants and Building Control. This required close coordination and technical problem-solving throughout the project.
Energy saving or renewable elements
Solar panels have been installed on the commercial unit, supplying power to the two new flats. New UPVC windows were fitted to the rear elevations of the flats and all internal walls with an external aspect were insulated with 76mm insulated board to provide strong thermal performance and a good U-Value.
Summary
The commercial unit has now been let to Lincolnshire Air Ambulance, providing a modern and efficient new space.
The pizza shop now benefits from its own toilet and prep area, soundproofed ceilings, a suspended ceiling and full rewiring.
The former single flat has been successfully converted into two fully refurbished new homes, each with new bathrooms and fitted kitchens, new flooring throughout, two new staircases, UPVC windows, a residential entrance door, and full fire alarm systems including an AOV window on the landlord’s landing.
The project has brought a long-vacant building back into meaningful use and delivered high-quality commercial and residential accommodation for the community.