Enabling Works
High Chelmer Shopping Centre
Client | High Chelmer Shopping Centre
Location | Chelmsford
Value | Undisclosed
Timing | P1: 11 Weeks, P2: 19 Weeks
Project Overview
Sloane Curtis was appointed to deliver the strip-out and enabling works of two units within High Chelmer Shopping Centre in Chelmsford.
The project was delivered in two phases, transforming the units into a single retail space for the shopping centre's new tenant.
Phase 1 ran from June to August 2025, stripping both units back to shell across two floors. Works included demolishing the dividing wall to create one open space and removing all existing services and infrastructure (sprinklers, ductwork, staircases and lifts).
Phase 2 was scheduled for 2026 to allow the new tenant time to finalise their layout. Running from January to June as a 19-week programme, the works involved enabling and remedial works across both floors. Existing staircases were relocated, requiring new openings in the floor slabs for installation. Foundations were laid for the new staircase, with trimming steels fitted as well. Openings left by removed ductwork were infilled with Bison beams and concrete blocks, then covered with screed, with additional infill brickwork completed. Structural steelwork was installed to support the affected floors and roof, with additional steels introduced to accommodate the weight of roof works for the new plant deck. All floors were ground back to remove existing finishes before new liquid screed was laid.
Other works included a new shopfront, fire doors, fire partition walls, roof repairs to existing holes, a new goods lift and a pumped render finish to the entrance wall.
Scope of Work
Strip-out, demolition, staircase relocation, new staircase, new goods lift, pumped render finish, structural steelwork, infills to openings, new plant deck, asphalt roof repairs, floor grinding, liquid screed flooring, new shopfront, fire doors, fire partitions walls.
Challenge
Working within a live shopping centre is challenging, with neighbouring tenants continuing to trade, residents living nearby and members of the public accessing the centre throughout the works. This added complexity to the execution of the project, particularly when carrying out noisy works and crane operations.
Solution
Noisy works were restricted to permitted hours, and we maintained clear communication with our neighbouring tenants and local residents to keep them informed and manage expectations. Crane operations were carefully planned, which meant that we segregated areas to maintain public safety and minimise disruption.
Outcome
The project was successfully delivered in line with the agreed practical completion and handover dates, while ensuring that High Chelmer remained fully operational and able to trade safely throughout the works.
