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The Brief

Woodhams were contracted to carry out dilapidation and repairs to an office building and vault for a well-known finance brand. The building was built in 1979 and was initially let to WH Smith and used for warehousing. The building was then let to a British Bank who carried out substantial works to include full concrete security walls within the building shell; housing four large money holding vaults, eight safes and a full security citadel which held foreign currency on behalf of a number of British Banks.

The Solution

Woodhams worked as the Principal Contractor to carry out the dilapidations and repairs to the building, returning it to its original design and finishes. Acting as the CDM Principal Contractor, Woodhams took full responsibility for quality, safety, and delivery across both specialised and non-specialised works, providing the client with a complete refurbishment package that reduced their management time and overall project costs.

The work included heavy demolition to the rear of the building, removing concrete security walls, HVAC plant, six industrial gas boilers, associated pipework, the first-floor security fabrication, raised access flooring, mezzanine steel structures, and four security vaults. Further works involved stripping out bathrooms, security offices, and all electrical supplies back to the MCC, decommissioning the UPS system, and rewiring and re-commissioning the standby generator. Repair works to the existing warehouse floor, redecoration, new power supplies, and lighting were also carried out. In addition, Woodhams replaced 60 fixed-panel skylights and several sections of profiled steel roof and wall cladding.

In the office areas, Woodhams removed all office furniture, suspended ceilings, partitions, floor coverings, and air conditioning units. These were replaced with new suspended ceilings, full redecoration, and complete rewiring of the fire alarm and electrical systems. Upon completion, Woodhams carried out testing and issued certification for the gas, electrical, and new fire alarm installations.

Externally, works included the demolition of the rear loading bay, tarmac repairs, new road markings, repainting of all external wall and roof sheeting, and the installation of Armco barriers and palisade fencing.

The project was managed by a full-time, qualified Site Manager and Supervisor, supported by a Woodhams Contracts Manager and Project Manager. The team maintained regular communication with the client throughout, holding weekly meetings to ensure progress, address feedback promptly, and keep the project on schedule and within budget. As a result of the quality of work delivered, Woodhams secured additional orders for this site and continues to work with Travelex on further projects.

The Result

Communication on the project worked in line with our standard communication policies, this included weekly meetings, daily briefings and site visits. As a result, the client was extremely pleased with our work to the extent we have expanded our relationship with them. This communication extended to the operatives onsite who have regular daily briefings and our project manager who made weekly site visits.

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