‘Topping out’ celebrated at Bishops Square retail development
VolkerFitzpatrick has topped out at the iconic £11.5 million Bishops Square retail project, situated near Spitalfields market, East London.
The highest point of construction was reached at Bishops Square on 7th April and VolkerFitzpatrick celebrated the milestone with client J.P. Morgan as well as representatives from Foster & Partners, Price & Myers, Waterman and HartDixon.
The unique retail project comprises construction work to a 2-storey mixed-use development, situated in the popular Spitalfields area of London on Lamb Street, which receives circa twenty-three million visitors per year. The project will provide ten retail units and give further opportunities to residents and shoppers to enjoy food outlets and retail shops in the area.
Designed by Foster & Partners, the distinctive building is in keeping with the Spitalfields heritage and includes an exposed structural frame, coated in dark red iron oxide, infilled by glazing, canopies and partitions to give it a modern, industrial feel.
Stuart Deverill, managing director of VolkerFitzpatrick building division, said: “We were delighted when J.P. Morgan awarded VolkerFitzpatrick the contract to construct this retail showpiece at Bishops Square. Our extensive experience of operating in logistically challenging and environmentally sensitive locations has been highly valuable in the construction planning and realisation of this exciting addition to the Spitalfields streetscape”
Paul Harris, Executive Director at J.P. Morgan Asset Management, said: “It is a pleasure to work with the VolkerFitzpatrick team on the Bishops Square development, VolkerFitzpatrick led a positive and open relationship, and this, combined with their attention to detail, enabled us to deliver retail space of the highest standards.”
The new building in Lamb Street is situated over an existing basement vehicle access ramp, used weekly by over 1500 vehicles, and had to remain open for much of the time. VolkerFitzpatrick installed a structural movement system in the existing basement to monitor the construction loads during the build. Due to the site being in a narrow, challenging environment, close to residential and office space, numerous tests were run to ensure the site could be accessed for large deliveries whilst keeping noise to a minimum.
A sedum and wildflower green roof will also be created, with the project aiming to achieve a ‘Very Good’ BREEAM rating overall.
The project is due to be completed in October 2022.