Eagle Buildings
Urbanise was engaged to refurbish two unused retail spaces in Eagle Buildings, a Grade II listed commercial property, which had been left in a poor condition and was not suitable to let.
Located on the corner of King Street in the heart of the city centre, we were able to draw on our experience of managing city centre construction projects.
Refit to let
We stripped out all existing fixtures and fittings across two floors, bringing the space back to its original structure. We then installed a new LED lighting and power scheme, new electrical mains distribution and a new mains water supply, which provided metering for the whole building. Following extensive re-plastering, we fully decorated the space, including the retail unit’s shop front.
The building has stunning period features, so we ensured that these were preserved, including the restoration of the original tiling in the basement, which had impressive results.
Externally, we restored the stone corbels, adding to the aesthetic of the building. We also installed exterior pavements lights, which provide light into the basement from the footpath.
Project challenges
The main challenge we faced was bringing the space back to a lettable condition while restoring and maintaining the period features. As with all inner-city projects, we were working in a tight space with high footfall, so we had to manage the site carefully to ensure a safe, clear thoroughfare for pedestrians. Additionally, we worked closely with sub-contractors and suppliers to stagger deliveries and waste removal, minimising disruption to traffic.
Ready to let
Following the works, the client was delighted that the space was immediately let by the well-known sandwich chain EAT, achieving their desired outcome.
