Project Overview
The Waitrose Droitwich project involved a comprehensive upgrade and reconfiguration of the store’s refrigeration systems and associated infrastructure. This major refurbishment aimed to enhance the store’s efficiency, improve the customer experience, and reduce environmental impact.

Scope of Work
Refrigeration Equipment Swap: Complete replacement of existing refrigeration units with modern, energy-efficient models.
Installation of New Plant and Equipment: Setup of new refrigeration plant and equipment.
Serve Over Counters Reconfiguration: Redesign of internal serve over counters to match the new refrigeration layout.
New Room Construction for ECOMM: Building a new room for e-commerce operations to enhance online order fulfilment.
Internal and External Decoration: Refreshing the store’s appearance through comprehensive decoration.
Steel Deck Reconfiguration: Adjusting the existing steel deck to house the new equipment.
Specialist and Unusual Aspects
New Structural Openings: Creation of new structural openings to facilitate installation.
Fire-rated doors and partitions: Installation to comply with safety regulations.
Steel Plant Deck Reconfiguration: Modifying the existing deck to support new equipment.
Absence of Data Sheets: Sourcing expert information to ascertain weights for safe removal and replacement of the existing plant.
Energy Saving and Renewable Elements
The new refrigeration equipment is cooled by a combination of air and water, leading to significant energy and cost savings. This upgrade reduces operational costs and minimises the environmental footprint, aligning with Waitrose’s commitment to sustainability.
Challenges and Solutions
Steelwork Design Issues: The provided design lacked detailed information, requiring additional on-site work to secure durbar plates and the handrail. These issues were efficiently resolved by our contractor, TEK Construction, ensuring the project stayed on track.

Summary
The Waitrose Droitwich project was completed successfully, meeting all set objectives within the planned timeframe and budget. Continuous communication with the store ensured smooth decision-making and the timely resolution of any issues. The project has significantly enhanced the store’s operational efficiency, customer service capabilities, and environmental performance.