Project Overview
This project involved the extensive refurbishment and structural alteration of the former two-storey House of Fraser retail unit at Bluewater Shopping Centre. The objective was to transform the existing space into a high-quality shell and core unit, fully compliant with the incoming tenant’s Agreement for Lease, and ready for fit-out without delay.
The works included major structural modifications, a full strip-out, roof and facade upgrades, and improvements to energy performance and external lighting, delivering a modern, efficient, and flexible retail environment.
Scope of Works
The general scope comprised:
- Full strip-out and demolition of the existing retail unit back to shell and core.
- Structural concrete infills following the removal of existing services.
- Installation of structural steelwork and composite decking to infill former floor openings.
- Structural alterations to form new service risers, escalator and lift apertures, and rooflight openings.
- Structural modifications to enable the removal of the existing stone façade and the installation of new curtain walling systems.
- Installation of new glazed rooflights and curtain walling systems.
- Installation of a new inverted roofing system.
- Enabling works for a new 1000kVA substation to serve the incoming tenant.
- Application of 1-hour fire protection to all structural steelwork in line with the fire strategy.
- Installation of new rainwater drainage systems and reconfiguration of below-ground services to suit the new tenant layout.
- Façade repairs and external door upgrades.
- Electrical services upgrades and new external lighting installations.
Roof Refurbishment and Energy Performance
As part of the refurbishment, approximately 6,000m² of the existing inverted roof system was fully removed and replaced to significantly improve the building’s energy performance.
The new system included:
- A high-performance hot melt waterproofing layer.
- 160mm thick Ravatherm XPS insulation across the main roof areas.
- 56mm thick XPS upstand insulation to maintain thermal continuity at perimeter details.
This upgrade achieved a U-value of 0.18 W/m²K, aligning the building with current energy efficiency standards and providing long-term performance benefits for the landlord and tenant.
In addition, the external lighting around the unit was replaced with modern, energy-efficient fittings, reducing energy consumption and future operational costs.
Logistics and Site Management
The project presented significant logistical challenges due to its location within a live retail environment. A series of complex crane operations were required for:
- Removal and replacement of the 6,000m² roof system.
- Installation of new structural steelwork.
- Installation of glazing and framework for the large feature rooflight.
All crane lifts had to be carried out from the customer car park due to site constraints. This required detailed planning, coordination, and close collaboration with the Bluewater Centre Management team.
Lifts were carefully scheduled to minimise disruption to shoppers and retailers, with strict safety controls and clear communication in place at all times. Works were programmed around peak trading periods wherever possible to maintain customer access and operational continuity.
Summary
The shell and core refurbishment was successfully completed in full compliance with the incoming retailer’s Agreement for Lease and all specified technical requirements.
The unit was handed over on time, to a high standard, and in a clean and safe condition, enabling the tenant’s fit-out team to take immediate possession without delay. The project delivered a modernised, energy-efficient, and structurally enhanced retail space that fully met the client’s expectations.
Client Feedback
I just wanted to send a quick note to you all, personally, to say a huge thank you for all your hard work on the HoF project.
The unit looked brilliant when we handed it over to Next last week, and it really gave us all credit to have delivered exactly what we said we would. The quality and finish to the mall knuckle is also fantastic.
The way that you approached the project, right from the tender stage, all the way through to completion on site was fantastic and the positive collaboration with the team, the centre, Next and us (especially with some of the challenges that came up along the way) was the reason why the project was a success.
It’s been an absolute pleasure working with you on this project, and I’m genuinely looking forward to future opportunities to work together again.”
This project is a strong example of delivering a complex shell and core refurbishment in a live retail environment, combining technical excellence, careful logistics planning, and collaborative working to achieve an outstanding result.
