Refurbishment of Breast Cancer Now HQ at Ibex House, London

The client appointed Ash Technical Services to deliver a major refurbishment project at their headquarters in Ibex House, an iconic Art Deco building in the City of London.

The aim was to support the charity’s return-to-work plan post-COVID. The works included:

• The creation of four multi-functional office rooms within a large open-plan office space.

• Refurbishment of an existing meeting room.

• Installation of a large dividing partition to create a flexible work area.

• Supply and installation of four office pods, including power and data points.

• Full redecorations throughout.

• New flooring.

The project took place over three separate parts of a large office space on the 6th floor of an 11-storey building, serviced by a small goods lift. To minimise disruption, large materials had to be brought up the rear stairwell either before 8am or after 5pm each day. Rubbish clearance also had to follow this pattern.

We had to ensure the office areas not part of the project remained clean and were unaffected by dust and other by-products of our construction work. We therefore installed floor-to-ceiling dust sheeting, with entry doors for our staff. All desks and office IT equipment were also covered in dust sheets. On completion of the project, we carried out a full office deep clean to ensure the space was ready to use when staff returned.

To manage the logistics of on-time materials delivery and the waste removal required to keep the work areas tidy, we prepared a weekly programme for out-of-hours work which ensured that we avoided bottlenecks, and the team could keep the work moving in line with project milestones.

We developed a detailed project scope, works programme and Risk Assessment Method Statement from the client brief. This information was relayed to our on-site teams through pre-construction meetings and site inductions. All risks and constraints were highlighted to the teams before work commenced.

We set up clear communication channels with the client and building manager pre-project. These worked well. And we liaised closely with both to ensure all works complied with building user requirements, modifications to services such as power, lighting and data were approved by the building manager, and the project did not impact on the other commercial businesses in the building.

We successfully met the client brief, turning a large open-plan office with space planning that was no longer fit-for-purpose, and limited character, into flexible working areas that met the changed needs of people returning to the office after working remotely through the pandemic.

We worked closely with the client to identify the most effective options for zoning the office that would provide the right combination of workspaces for collaboration, meetings, focus and relaxation. And used the charity’s brand colours as the basis for smart and colourful office redecoration that would reinforce employee engagement and a professional image.

The client was really pleased with the outcome. They particularly liked our hands-on approach to project delivery, our belief in teamworking and formation of strong client relationships, and our commitment to helping them deliver their vision. They also appreciated our ability to generate constructive ideas about how to meet project challenges and the personal touch we applied to the works.

The project has delivered a range of significant benefits, including:

• Provision of a refurbished office offering staff a functional, fun, flexible workspace that supports hybrid working and provides employees with the spaces, furniture and equipment they need to work effectively.

• Delivery of a comfortable work environment that makes everyone feel valued, facilitates creativity, and underpins individual and team objectives.

• The opportunity for the charity to showcase to visitors how they embrace positive ways of working and support their staff.

• Helping the client improve their ability to deliver their services over the longer term and meet their charitable goals.