Following an assessment of Network Rail’s buildings portfolio, One Puddle Dock, adjacent to the busy Blackfriars station, was identified as needing refurbishment. Gratte Brothers was appointed to undertake the shell and core Cat A fit-out.
Situated on the land of the old Puddle Dock, the site grew significantly with the advent of the 1960s foreshore reclamation. The client now sought to reclaim some light and space within the inefficient 1970s building.
Gratte Brothers provided the M&E services and a security package for the building. Works included fan coil systems, ventilation, air-handling units, new LED lighting, new rising bus bars and associated cabling. To suit the industrial nature of the building’s exterior, all installations were surface fixed.
The biggest challenge was the constant rail and commuter traffic running through Blackfriars station. There could be no interruption to either. As such, routing and storage of deliveries in particular received special attention from Gratte Brothers Safety1st scheme.
To avoid interruption to the exposed services themselves, consistent labour management was required to ensure similar treatment of containment and ductwork so that ceiling runs wouldn’t be spoilt.