Two government listed heritage buildings have undergone a full strip out and CAT B office floor refurbishments by BW: Workplace Experts.

The recently completed scheme for the Government Property Agency (GPA) has revitalised c11,000m2 of office space in a prime location in the heart of Westminster.  Working closely with design and build practice Engineroom, and building services consultancy Watkins Payne, BW: Workplace Experts has delivered a solution that meets heritage constraints, while creating a sustainable and inspiring workspace for civil servants.

The works include fit outs of new meeting rooms, workspaces, comms rooms, WCs and showers. Business lounges and an event space have been installed, as well as a new double reception, feature staircase, WUDU/ablution room and fire command centre. A new business event space for 200 people, and a basement with changing rooms and cycle stores were also created.

Both buildings had full façade cleaning, restoration and lift refurbishments, plus the installation of new MEPH systems including main plant and plantrooms across the floors and roof. Both buildings have been connected to a District Heating Network to increase energy efficiency.

Sympathetic design was achieved by using chimneys to conceal ductwork and services, which also served to minimise impact on the protected building layout. BW: Workplace Experts used GPR scanning to validate designs without physical damage and provided clear method statements with visuals to speed up the listed building consent approval process.

Throughout the refurbishment, BW: Workplace Experts collaborated with GPA and consultant teams to ensure a smooth handover and transition. Completed workspaces were used as soon as they were constructed while other floors were delivered. This allowed for ongoing feedback and any necessary adjustments to be made before final handover.

Pat Cross, Stakeholder Manager at Government Property Agency, commented: “We are thankful to BW for the exemplary work completed on these heritage buildings.  It was important for GPA to collaborate with experts who understood our requirements and could navigate the challenges presented when working with listed properties.  The BW team were a joy to work with and went above and beyond to find solutions, exceeding expectations. We are thrilled with the final result of the fit out and it was truly a pleasure to work so closely with and collaboratively with Will and the whole BW team.”

William McDonagh, Construction Director at BW: Workplace Experts, commented: “Our work has helped to breathe new life into these government heritage buildings while aligning with the GPA’s end goal to achieve a more sustainable and inspiring workspace. We worked closely with English Heritage to meet the exacting standards of the project, using our extensive expertise working with listed properties. In collaboration, we were able to find a solution and secure approval which prior to our involvement had not been successfully achieved. We also successfully optimised negotiations with our supply chain, locking in materials prices before cost increases and sourcing alternative high-quality manufacturers and like-for-like materials. This new workspace is a wonderful environment with all the facilities GPA required to help boost the heritage estate and civil service team satisfaction levels.”