The Challenge
The site is landlocked on all sides and, with the hugely popular Borough Market directly opposite and residential blocks adjoining, this presented serious logistical constraints and challenges for the team.
Significant negotiations were held with the local authority to allow us to close footways on the very busy Winchester Walk and to install a pitlane for our deliveries.
The basement dig was further complicated by the presence of archaeologists, who were on site for a total of 10 weeks, and who had to work in confined safe zones whilst excavation was ongoing to immediately adjacent areas, while the ‘cart-away’ from the basement dig was removed via conveyor belts.
The discovery of medieval and Tudor finds in the dig necessitated rapid re-sequencing of the works, and in this way we were able to ensure that the programme was maintained.
The Outcome
The completed scheme saw the poor quality 20th Century finishes and structures removed and successfully exposed the original structure and brickwork wherever possible, this being juxtaposed against new Corten cladding and blackened steel elements.
A very successful restaurant and bar has been opened at ground and basement levels, whilst the five floors of commercial office space above have been occupied by SMEs who were all drawn to the vibrancy and facilities of Borough Market.
EPC ratings of ‘B’ were achieved for all the office floors.