Plantation Place – CAT B to CAT A+ Refurbishment
- Location - Fenchurch Street, London
- Client - Plantation Place
30 Fenchurch Street, London – 50,000+ sq. ft Commercial Transformation
Crestel Projects is proud to showcase the full CAT B to CAT A+ refurbishment of over 50,000 sq. ft of prime office space at Plantation Place, located in the heart of London’s financial district.
We delivered this scheme on behalf of our client and project team. It transformed a partitioned, tenant-specific layout. The outcome was a high-specification, modern CAT A floor plate. It left the space ready for a new commercial occupation.
The gallery showcases the before, during, and after shots of the project.
1. Project Overview
This landmark project involved:
- Full strip-out of the existing CAT B fit-out.
- Reconfiguration and reinstatement of ceilings, M&E, and life safety systems.
- Complete refresh of finishes across ceilings, floors, and joinery.
- Mechanical redesign to convert the existing tenant VAV system. We stripped it back to a compliant CAT A configuration.
- Delivery within a tight timescale. This was all in a live, multi-tenanted building at 30 Fenchurch Street.
We coordinated the work with the landlord’s teams. This ensured minimal disruption and seamless integration with existing infrastructure.
2. Scope of Works
Strip-Out and Demolition
- Removal of all tenant-installed partitions, storage walls, sliding partitions, and doors
- Strip-out of plasterboard ceilings, tenant WC block, and raised access/comms room flooring
- Removal of CAT B power, lighting, blinds, signage, and residual furnishings
- Extraction of VAV units, ductwork, kitchen extract, and M&E systems for reconfiguration
M&E Reconfiguration
- Isolation and modification of four independent sprinkler zones. This included extensive enabling works. Protection of occupied areas remained live under the Specification of Works.
- Relocation and recommissioning of sprinkler heads, detectors, and life safety systems.
- Mechanical redesign and installation of new and extra VAV boxes.
- BMS validation, rewiring, and recommissioning.
- New Thorlux LED LG7-equivalent lighting installed across the floorplate.
- Replacement of defective Electrak breakers and extensive electrical upgrades.
Reinstatement Works
- Full preparation and redecoration of walls, ceilings, and woodwork
- Installation of new suspended ceiling grid systems (to match retained metal-planked ceilings)
- Laying of new Forbo Tessera carpet tiles (Magnetic Flux selected – Finishes Board)
- Installation of new fire, sprinkler and lighting components to suit redesigned layouts
- Final commissioning, testing, and certification
3. Design and Finishes
Lighting
- Thorlux LED replacement panels to suit the existing LG7 configuration
Joinery
- Existing varnished woodwork retained and refreshed
- Optional painted finishes (Graphite Grey RAL 7024/Anthracite Grey RAL 7016)
Flooring
- Forbo Tessera Diffusion range – Magnetic Flux (final selection)
These finishes achieved a crisp, modern CAT A aesthetic. This enhanced the building’s commercial appeal.
4. Programme and Delivery
Key milestones from the contractor report:
- Start Date: 8 February 2021
- Practical Completion: 31 May 2021
- VAV System Commissioning: Completed shortly afterwards due to BMS controller delays
The Crestel team experienced supply-chain pressures. For instance, custom VAV cassettes held at Dover and SAS ceiling tile delays. So, we accelerated labour and resequenced works to maintain programme integrity.
5. Project Challenges and Solutions
01.
Live Building Integration
Working within an operational landmark building required:
- Careful zoning of sprinklers (NE, SE, NW, SW)
- Coordinated isolations and fire watch provisions
- Out-of-hours working where necessary
02.
Mechanical Redesign Under Time Constraint
The tenant-specific VAV installation required a complete redesign. This took it back to a CAT A standard. Our mechanical consultants and BMS specialists delivered:
- New VAV layout
- Extra control boxes
- Fresh wiring looms
- Full balancing and commissioning package
03.
High-Level Client and Landlord Coordination
We secured approvals through collaboration. This included Chaucer, Savills, JLL, BNP Paribas, Knight Frank, and landlord engineers. The coordination extended across lighting, fire alarm, BMS and sprinkler design elements.
6. Client Outcome
The completed project delivered:
- A contemporary, high-efficiency CAT A workplace
- Compliant and tested M&E systems
- An open-plan floorplate ready for market
- Delivery on time, within budget, and to a high standard
Our client and contract administrator expressed full satisfaction. This further cemented Crestel’s reputation for reliability in fast-track commercial refurbishments.
7. Project Highlights
- 55,000 sq. ft of prime city office space
- CAT B to CAT A+ conversion
- Heavy M&E and BMS redesign
- Landlord-level sprinkler integration
- Delivered in a tight timeframe
- Major London landmark location
- High-end finishes and LED scheme
- Zero safety incidents reported
Are You Interested in a Similar Project?
Crestel Projects specialises in complex commercial refurbishments across London and the UK. For enquiries, CAT A/A+ works or full-turnkey commercial fit-outs, please contact us.