BREAST CANCER NOW OFFICE REFURBISHMENT PROJECT

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 following the COVID-19 pandemic. The works included:

• The creation of four multi-functional office rooms within an ample 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 an ample 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 8:00 a.m. or after 5:00 p.m. each day. Rubbish clearance also followed 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. Upon completion of the project, we conducted a thorough office deep clean to ensure the space was ready for use when staff returned.

To manage the logistics of on-time material delivery and 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 job moving in line with project milestones.

We developed a detailed project scope, works programme, and Risk Assessment Method Statement based on 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 established clear communication channels with the client and the building manager before the project. These worked well. We liaised closely with both parties to ensure that all works complied with building user requirements, that the building manager approved modifications to services such as power, lighting, and data, and that the project did not impact the other commercial businesses in the building.

We successfully met the client's brief, transforming a large open-plan office with outdated space planning and limited character into flexible working areas that catered to the changed needs of people returning to the office after working remotely during the pandemic.

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

The client was pleased with the outcome. They particularly appreciated our hands-on approach to project delivery, our emphasis on teamwork and the formation of strong client relationships, and our commitment to helping them bring their vision to life. 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.