The gross internal floor area of 150,000 ft2 was largely stripped back to the building frame, a new façade incorporated and the whole building fitted out. 

In addition to the new store, the previous shopping centre incorporated a public car park on the upper floors of the building. Wilson Mason detailed the remodelling and provided 335 parking spaces with associated circulation requirements following statutory and specialist advice. 

We worked closely with John Lewis Store Design to develop the design from the initial concept stage and through to the much-anticipated store opening. The building landlord carried out refurbishment and remodelling works to the fabric and Wilson Mason performed a Shell Monitoring role on behalf of John Lewis during this period to ensure that the ‘base build’ was compatible with the detailed fitting out exercise running concurrently. 

Novated Role – Appointed by the Main contractor (Mace), Wilson Mason provided architectural services to develop and complete the design information in order to facilitate the ‘white box’ for the shop fit out. Regular site and progress meeting attendance allowed us to react swiftly to site discoveries and client variations. Our monitoring role on behalf of John Lewis was performed in tandem with these activities. 

BIM – Wilson Mason oversaw the project from the early inception stages, firstly as architect and BIM lead for the Client team, then continuing with Mace through the construction period. In the fast-moving retail world, change is always to be expected, and timescales are often demanding. This project relied heavily on 3D model-based collaboration, in navigating these challenges – with the client closely engaged throughout.  

Both Wilson Mason and Mace embraced the Revit generated model which was developed throughout the design and build of the project to provide accurate, clash-free information for the construction team. 

Survey models – Scanning was carried out different times ad integrating new sections with working models was challenging especially whilst the construction phase was underway. Site discoveries also unearthed discrepancies and missing items from the surveyed models.