Value:
£1.96m
Timescale:
17 weeks
Virtus refurbished the 6th floor and WCs at 12 Arthur Street, including new ceilings, MEP works, and high-end finishes. Early procurement and value engineering helped meet budget and timeline.
The Arthur Street office refurbishment saw CIT Group appoint Virtus through a two-stage procurement route. We delivered a CAT A refurbishment of the sixth floor at 12 Arthur Street, alongside upgrades to the common area WC facilities. The project took place within a fully occupied commercial building.
From the outset, our team stripped the sixth floor back to shell and established a clear refurbishment strategy. We then developed new datum levels for the suspended ceiling system and coordinated these with the new MEP services. As a result, the completed floor provides a contemporary office environment designed around modern occupier requirements.
CAT A Refurbishment and MEP Upgrades
A key element of the CAT A refurbishment involved integrating a comprehensive package of building services upgrades. Therefore, our team coordinated new VRF air conditioning, ventilation infrastructure and sprinkler installations. The works also incorporated ceiling plenums, grilles and LED strip lighting.
In addition, we installed a new suspended ceiling system with integrated plasterboard bulkheads to create a seamless finish. Together, these improvements delivered a modern workplace focused on performance, flexibility and visual consistency.
Common Area Refurbishment at 12 Arthur Street
Alongside the main office works, we upgraded the sixth-floor common areas. These included new stone and brass architectural wall cladding within the lift lobbies and replacement floor finishes.
We also installed new WC cubicles, IPS panels and sensor-operated vanity mirror units. Consequently, the refurbished shared facilities provide an enhanced experience for building users.
Collaborative Planning and Value Engineering
Throughout the second stage, our collaborative approach identified several long-lead items that presented a potential programme risk. Therefore, with the client’s approval, we secured key materials through an early Letter of Intent before entering the main contract.
Furthermore, the team identified value engineering opportunities to protect the project budget without compromising quality. For example, we retained elements of the existing raised access floor where appropriate. As a result, the client achieved cost efficiencies while maintaining the overall design intent.
Delivering the Office Refurbishment Under Programme Pressure
The project operated under significant programme pressure from the outset. In particular, the requirements of an incoming tenant created a demanding timeframe for the CAT A works.
As the project progressed, the client accelerated the completion requirements further. Consequently, our team resequenced activities and closely coordinated subcontractors to maintain momentum. Through proactive planning and collaboration, we completed the office floor in line with the revised programme while maintaining quality.
Refurbishment Within an Occupied Building
Delivering the works within a fully occupied office building introduced additional operational challenges. Therefore, minimising disruption to neighbouring tenants remained a priority.
To achieve this, we installed noise-monitoring equipment on adjoining floors and maintained clear communication with building occupiers. In addition, the team carefully scheduled noisy activities and monitored the works to reduce their impact wherever possible.
The Completed Arthur Street Office Refurbishment
Through detailed planning, proactive value engineering and careful stakeholder management, we delivered a high-quality Arthur Street office refurbishment at 12 Arthur Street.
The completed workspace combines modern building services, upgraded shared facilities and a contemporary CAT A finish. Crucially, the team achieved this within an accelerated programme and a fully occupied commercial environment.
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Awards and Accreditations
We are committed to being recognised as a modern forward thinking construction company and realise the importance of meeting the standards and expectations of our customers and in recognition of this we are members of Constructionline and CHAS, whilst also having accreditation under ISO9001 & ISO1400.