Overview
The Paddington Lawn Area Remodelling and Enabling Works were designed with the vision to bring to life an exciting shopping experience whilst acknowledging the history of the station, creating an enjoyable ambience for both retailers and travellers alike.
New retail outlets were built in addition to refreshing the existing commercial space. This included new lighting, feature cladding and ceilings.
The retail units have modern and visually appealing glazed entrances and cross walls. All works were undertaken with phasing and planning put in place to keep disruption in and around the station to a minimum.
Scope
A full list of works is outlined as follows:
Key Works
- Removal of one escalator and installation of a new staircase to mezzanine
- Removal and extension of retail units at ground floor level
- New free-standing retail units
- Subdivision of an existing catering unit into two self-contained units
Ground Floor
- Opens onto the main concourse
- Features free-standing retail units
- New dramatic frontage with glazed partitioning rising to mezzanine level
- Detailed around Grade I listed columns
Perimeter Details
- Eastern perimeter: retail units on ground and mezzanine levels
- Western perimeter: three levels of retail units, first floor open to saw-tooth glazed roof
Infrastructure Updates
- Extended domestic water services, drainage, and sprinklers
- Installation of deluge sprinklers to new glazed partitions
- Replacement of lighting, comms, and data systems
- New transformer dedicated to Lawn retail units
Historical Consideration
- Respect for station’s history and architecture
- Consideration of significant features like 1930’s stone columns, train shed end gables, GWR Hilton Hotel, MacMillan House, and Tournament House
Challenges & Solutions
The refurbishment at Paddington Lawn was meticulously planned to minimise disruption to the public, neighbouring businesses, and existing tenants. Special attention was given to managing noisy works, particularly in coordination with the adjoining Hilton Hotel.
This involved scheduling noisy activities during times that would cause the least disturbance to hotel guests and ensuring clear communication with the hotel’s management to address any concerns promptly. Additionally, measures were taken to maintain a safe and accessible environment for all stakeholders throughout the refurbishment process.
