Overview
Works consisted of the refurbishment of the 3-story Devonshire House and the two interconnecting arches behind.
As part of further regeneration works in the area, Spence also undertook a shell and core fit out of arches 22-27 at Old Union Yard and hard landscaping to the yard area.
Scope
Devonshire House and Union Street Arches
Extensive repairs, steelwork strengthening and alterations were required to make Devonshire House structurally sound and safe Overall,accommodate the new shop fronts and sash windows.
The arches to the rear were cleared of existing debris that had accumulated, and structurally altered to allow for the future tenant’s requirements. This included additional steelwork to the mezzanine decks to maximise the potential rentable space and the installation of glazing infills to modernise the entrances and passageways.
Overall,the space was transformed from dis-used and tired arches into vibrant new retail units along with new paving to the entrances.
Devonshire House and Union Street Arches
Works at Old Union Yard followed and consisted of the refurbishment of 5 double height railway arches with an internal area of circa 130m². The scope included the shell and core fit out of arches 22-27 and hard landscaping to the yard area.
Works to the arches comprised of the construction of bespokemezzanine levels and staircases, structural glazed infills and louvres, new utility supplies including refrigerant pipework, water proofing, arch linings and feature signage.
Old Union Yard was also fully paved creating a public realm space that incorporated uplighters and street furniture. The walls were also fully rendered and new entrance gates were installed to complete the external renovation.
Challenges & Solutions
Unknown to the client, Devonshire House was in a structurally unsound state. By working closely with its onsite engineering team, Spence installed substantial structural steelwork. These fundamental alterations along with dynamic stabilisation techniques ensured the building was structurally sound.
Lessons Learnt-The location of the sites in Southwark, with tight access, was the main challenge that had to be overcome through careful coordination with the supply chain regarding deliveries. Spence would have engaged with the council earlier to better understand restrictions on deliveries and site logistics.
