Project: Former Debenhams Strip-Out Works
Project Brief
A former Debenhams store located in Churchill Square Shopping Centre, Brighton, has been stripped out to make way for an iconic Swedish furniture brand to move in.
Hurst was appointed as the Principal Strip Out Contractor for the 8,000m2 department store, spanning three floors and featuring three amenity blocks.
It was the client’s aspiration for the store to achieve certification against BREEAM Refurbishment & Fit-Out (RFO) 2014. This included the strip out scope of works.
Result
Hurst followed BREEAM infrastructure guidelines throughout the demolition process, exceeding the client specified waste management results: 0% of materials went to landfill, 71.4% were recycled, and 28.6% were converted into energy. Construction waste management achieved a rating of excellent against the BREEAM 2014 Non-Dom RFO.
As Principal Contractor, Hurst managed the project meticulously, adhering to high health and safety standards and enabling the shopping centre to operate without any interruptions throughout. The site was cleared within the scheduled timeframe.
Scope of Works
- Removal of non-structural partitions, ceilings (including light fittings) and floors.
- Removal of all wall linings
- Removal of floor coverings and scabbling of all slabs to receive new screeds and floor finishes
- Removal of fixtures and fittings
- Removal of identified escalators and goods service lift
- Removal of all existing M&E services
- Removal of all ventilation systems including AHU’s, fans, ductwork
- Removal of all sprinkler & fire alarm systems
- Removal of above ground drainage
- Removal of voice/data structured cabling systems
- Removal of intruder Alarm/CCTV/Door Access
- Removal of internal Lighting including busbar trunking systems etc
- Removal of LV power and associated equipment
- Repairs to roof membrane, water-proofing system after removal of ventilation services
Challenges
The nature of the work posed significant health and safety risks, requiring thorough planning and detailed operations to ensure a safe working environment.
Clearing the waste presented logistical challenges, as there was only one goods lift available and restricted space in the service yard for waste and recycling companies. Hurst liaised closely with all parties to coordinate the movement of waste, factoring in these limitations to ensure a seamless process.
Coordination and communication with the centre management were crucial to ensure there was no disruption to the public or risk to their safety, as the shopping centre remained fully operational.
Solution
Hurst led the site demolition in accordance with BREEAM guidelines to support the client’s sustainability objectives. Collaborating with our BREEAM consultant, Hurst tracked and managed carbon emissions data while providing regular waste management inventories.
As Principal Contractor under CDM regulations, Hurst coordinated with all contractors to ensure that all disconnections and isolations were fully certified. Through close collaboration with centre management and a phased project delivery, Hurst minimised disruption to the shopping centre, and ensured the public’s safety.
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