Brims Construction was appointed by Zurich Assurance Ltd to undertake the strip out and reconfiguration of retail units 4, 5 and 6 within the Galleries Retail Park, Washington, into a larger singular Marks & Spencer unit.
Commencing in April 2023, the initial works included the setting up of site facilities and the internal strip out and demolition. This was followed by piling and cladding works. Other works included the installation of a mezzanine floor with concrete slab, internal steelwork, pile caps and ground beams. External works were also completed, including the installation of a plant deck area with canopy roof, dock leveller and new cladding.
The new store covers 43,000 square foot, including a stylish new food court double the size of the old store. This is located on the ground floor along with the women’s clothing section, which allows the customers to pay at the fitting rooms rather than queuing at the tills. The second floor houses a bigger than ever footwear section with a spacious try-on area. Also on the second floor is beauty products, menswear and the children’s clothing sections.
The new store has free parking and great accessibility. It is powered by 100% electric, no gas, and is fully fitted with LED lighting and screens, as part of Marks & Spencer’s ‘Plan A’ roadmap, to become a net zero business across all its operations and entire value chain by 2040.