Thompsons was contracted by Aggora Group to transform an empty unit at Queen Alexandra Hospital in Cosham into a fully functioning M&S Food Hall.
Thompsons was contracted by Aggora Group to transform an empty unit at Queen Alexandra Hospital in Cosham into a fully functioning M&S Food Hall.
The scope of the project involved a comprehensive fit-out, including:
- Construction of walls and ceilings
- Installation of floor coverings and hygienic cladding
- Interior decorations
- Plumbing works
- Installation of doors, ironmongery, and panelling
- Fire shutters
- Refrigeration units
- Racking, shelving, and graphics installation
The unit required a full transformation to meet the standards of an M&S retail space, ensuring it was functional, aesthetically appealing, and met health and safety regulations.
Key Challenges
Throughout the project, Thompsons faced several challenges:
Coordination with the main developer:
The project had to work around delays due to external factors, requiring flexibility and strong communication to ensure timely completion despite setbacks.
Late water and power connections:
Critical services such as water and live power connections were delayed, posing a risk to the project timeline. Thompsons had to adapt and schedule tasks efficiently to avoid major disruptions.
Access and Egress Issues:
Working within a hospital environment presented challenges regarding access and egress, with limited movement allowed during peak hours to minimise disruption to the hospital’s operations.
Strict Induction Policy:
The hospital had a stringent induction process for all contractors, which added additional time and complexity to the workforce management.
Outcome
Despite the challenges, Thompsons successfully completed the M&S fit-out on schedule. The new store now provides essential retail services to hospital staff, patients, and visitors.
The ability to adapt to delays and maintain strict adherence to quality and safety standards was key to the success of the project.
The M&S at Queen Alexandra Hospital is now fully operational, offering convenience and a quality shopping experience in a busy hospital setting.
Conclusion
This project highlights Thompsons’ ability to manage complex fit-outs in challenging environments, working within tight schedules and coordinating with multiple stakeholders.
