Morrisons Chelmsford new store
Morrisons
Morrisons Chelmsford new store
| Project: | Morrisons Chelmsford new store |
| Value: | £2,000,000 |
| Duration: | 15 weeks |
| Client: | Morrisons |
| Completed: | February 2023 |
Following the handover of the empty shell building from the developer, Princebuild had the task of carrying out a complete internal fit-out in just 15 weeks to transform the empty space into a brand new Morrisons store at the Regiment Business Park in Chelmsford.
The project involved the installation of all electrical, mechanical and refrigeration services, construction of walls and ceilings in the prep and staff areas and all associated finishing and decorating work.
The project involved the installation of all electrical, mechanical and refrigeration services, construction of walls and ceilings in the prep and staff areas and all associated finishing and decorating work.
There were multiple sustainability considerations to take into account during the project. The first was during the construction phase, where we were instructed to incorporate BREEAM into our construction operations. This was to be considered during the design, procurement and implementation phases. In the design itself, sustainable initiatives were incorporated helping to make the store more efficient and maximising its green credentials. To achieve this, seven electrical vehicle charging bays were installed, a voltage optimiser was fitted to limit the voltage being drawn by the building, a heat reclamation system was installed to take excess heat from the refrigeration equipment and circulate it back in to store, finally destratification fans were fitted to circulate the hot air more efficiently.
A special feature of this project was the new trial security system that was installed called 'the gatekeeper system'. This involves a wheel lock for trolleys if the alarm sensors are triggered and is used
to target shop lifting. While this has been used externally on a lot of stores previously, the system installed at Chelmsford was internal and is part of a trial before it can be rolled out across all stores.
The project was not without its challenges. As the shell of the building was constructed by another contractor some issues were encountered that needed to be resolved before work could continue, for example some missing features on the drainage held up our work with constructing walls in one area of the store. This meant that we had to make up the time to stay on schedule and deliver the project for the target date.
The project was not without its challenges. As the shell of the building was constructed by another contractor some issues were encountered that needed to be resolved before work could continue, for example some missing features on the drainage held up our work with constructing walls in one area of the store. This meant that we had to make up the time to stay on schedule and deliver the project for the target date.
Another challenge was that some changes were required to the initial designs part way through the project. This required some completed work to be re done and some last minute changes to be made to accommodate the new requirements.
We always aspire to fulfil the vision of our clients and although changes during the project presented a challenge the project team took the changes in their stride and still produced a high quality project which was delivered on time.
This was achieved by maintaining a positive attitude across the site and by maintaining good relations with the subcontractors on site. By working together, with a conducive attitude issues could be resolved quickly and effectively allowing the project to progress.
The store successfully launched on schedule and received exceptionally positive feedback from the client and the public.
In addition the store created 124 new jobs in the area as well as providing a new community room which is a free space for local community groups to utilise.
We always aspire to fulfil the vision of our clients and although changes during the project presented a challenge the project team took the changes in their stride and still produced a high quality project which was delivered on time.
This was achieved by maintaining a positive attitude across the site and by maintaining good relations with the subcontractors on site. By working together, with a conducive attitude issues could be resolved quickly and effectively allowing the project to progress.
The store successfully launched on schedule and received exceptionally positive feedback from the client and the public.
In addition the store created 124 new jobs in the area as well as providing a new community room which is a free space for local community groups to utilise.
