Commercial real estate in London is an asset that demands constant evolution. As tenant needs shift, the demand for flexible, high-specification workspaces grows. Due to this, landlords face the challenge of keeping their properties market-ready. A prime example of this evolution is the recent refurbishment at Plantation Place, 30 Fenchurch Street.
Crestel Projects was commissioned to undertake a massive transformation within this landmark building. You can find it in the heart of London’s financial district. The project involved a comprehensive refurbishment of over 50,000 sq. ft, taking a partitioned, tenant-specific layout (CAT B) and stripping it back to a pristine, modern CAT A+ floor plate.
This project highlights the technical precision required to deliver high-value commercial refurbishments. It was vital to work within strict timescales and operational environments.
The CAT B to CAT A+ Journey
The primary goal at Plantation Place was to reset the clock on the office space. The existing layout was a CAT B fit-out. This means it was tailored to the previous tenant’s specific needs. It was complete with partitions, meeting rooms, and bespoke storage. While functional for the previous occupant, such layouts can limit the appeal for prospective tenants. This is especially true of those who want to envision their own identity in the space.
Our team delivered a scheme that stripped away these specific elements to reveal the potential of the floor plate. The goal was a CAT A+ finish: a space that is not only a blank canvas but one fitted with essential services. This included high-end finishes and modern lighting, ready for immediate occupation.
Precision Strip-Out and Demolition
The first phase of the programme involved a rigorous strip-out. In a building as prominent as 30 Fenchurch Street, this is never a simple demolition job. It requires a surgical approach to ensure the existing infrastructure remains undamaged.
The scope of the strip-out included:
- Removal of obstructions: We cleared all tenant-installed partitions, storage walls, sliding partitions, and doors. This resulted in an open-plan space.
- Ceiling and floor clearance: Plasterboard ceilings, the tenant WC block, and raised access flooring in comms rooms were removed.
- Service extraction: We stripped out CAT B power elements, lighting, blinds, and residual furnishings.
- Mechanical removal: VAV units, ductwork, and kitchen extraction systems were removed to make way for a compliant reconfiguration.
Rebuilding the Mechanical and Electrical (M&E) Backbone
A visual refresh is only as good as the infrastructure behind it. A significant part of this project involved complex M&E reconfiguration. This ensured the space met modern efficiency standards and safety regulations.
Mechanical Redesign
The existing tenant had installed a Variable Air Volume (VAV) system tailored to their specific office layout. To return the space to a market-ready standard, a complete mechanical redesign was necessary. Our mechanical consultants and BMS specialists completed the following:
- The delivery of a new VAV layout
- The installation of extra control boxes and fresh wiring looms
- The completion of a full balancing and commissioning package
Life Safety Systems
Safety is paramount in any refurbishment. We isolated and modified four independent sprinkler zones. This required extensive enabling works. Such was to ensure that occupied areas of the building remained protected. This protection was equally important during live conditions throughout the project. We also relocated and recommissioned sprinkler heads and detectors to suit the new open-plan layout.
Lighting Upgrades
To enhance energy efficiency and aesthetics, we installed new Thorlux LED panels across the floorplate. These were selected to match the existing LG7 configuration. This ensured compliant, low-glare lighting suitable for modern office work.
Delivering High-End Finishes
Once the structural and mechanical elements were in place, the focus shifted to aesthetics. A CAT A+ refurbishment must look premium to attract top-tier tenants.
We focused on a clean, crisp, and modern look. The walls, ceilings, and woodwork underwent full preparation and redecoration. We retained the existing varnished woodwork but refreshed it to bring it back to life. Our team offered optional painted finishes in Graphite Grey (RAL 7024) and Anthracite Grey (RAL 7016) for a contemporary edge.
For the flooring, we selected the Forbo Tessera Diffusion range in ‘Magnetic Flux’. This choice provided a durable yet stylish foundation for the office. It perfectly complemented the new suspended ceiling grid systems.
Overcoming Project Challenges
Delivering a project of this scale between February and May 2021 presented specific challenges. However, our ability to adapt and problem-solve ensured the programme remained on track.
1. Supply Chain Pressures
Like many projects during this period, we faced supply chain hurdles. Custom VAV cassettes were held up at Dover, and we experienced delays with SAS ceiling tiles. To mitigate this, we resequenced the works and accelerated our labour force. By remaining agile, we maintained the integrity of the programme. This is despite external logistical issues.
2. Live Building Integration
Working within 30 Fenchurch Street, an operational, multi-tenanted building, required meticulous planning. We implemented careful zoning of the sprinkler systems (NE, SE, NW, SW) and coordinated fire watch provisions. When necessary, our teams worked out of hours to ensure zero disruption to other tenants.
3. Stakeholder Coordination
Success relied on high-level collaboration. We worked with the landlord’s engineers and a wide range of stakeholders. This included Chaucer, Savills, JLL, BNP Paribas, and Knight Frank. We ensured that every design element, from fire alarms to BMS validation, was approved and integrated.
A Market-Ready Outcome
The refurbishment of Plantation Place was delivered on time, within budget, and to a high standard. This was all with zero safety incidents reported.
The result is a contemporary, high-efficiency workplace with compliant M&E systems. By transforming a cluttered CAT B layout into a pristine CAT A+ environment, we have restored the appeal of this prime city office space. It is now ready for its next chapter.
If you own or manage commercial property, accurate planning and expert execution are essential. Maximise its value through refurbishment.