Project: Wickes Store
Brief:
Wickes, as part of their ongoing investment in their retail portfolio, planned to open a new store in Bolton. The Trinity Street location in Lancashire was chosen for this venture. Wickes wanted a store design that catered to the needs of modern customers and incorporated their distinctive service model. Hurst was appointed as the principal contractor to transform what had been previously an outdated Decathlon store, into a cutting-edge retail space with modern staff facilities. The project had a tight deadline of 10 weeks and required a full mechanical and electrical services upgrade, including heating and cooling systems, rewiring, and energy-efficient LED lighting.
Solution:
Hurst provided a full turnkey solution from design and planning to fit-out and installation of the space to handover. This included assembling a team of experts and coordinating with the client’s direct contractors to ensure the successful completion of the project. They installed twenty standard and bespoke kitchens, with Hurst’s tiling division handling the flooring and wall tiles. Additionally, Hurst fitted eight full bathroom displays, creating an immersive shopping experience for customers. The project also included the refurbishment of the external outdoor product area, staff amenities, racking systems, camping display area, and rear yard. Hurst worked with specialist contractors, such as Tor-paint, to ensure a full respray of the cladding and the removal of a lorry dock leveller. External works, including car park improvements and floor markings, were also carried out.
Project Challenges:
Tight timeframe: The project had to be completed within 10 weeks while meeting Wickes’ high standards and maintaining the scheduled handover, two weeks prior to the store opening.
Showcasing the showroom: Hurst faced the challenge of installing a new 4m x 4.5m shop front, window section, curtain walling, and an auto sliding door. Collaboration with structural engineers was necessary to determine the sizing of the steel and fabricator manufacturing.
Managing pre-works: The project involved the removal of the old external high-level canopy, which required specialized equipment such as Telehandlers and scissor lifts. Hurst ensured the proper management of health and safety protocols and correct disposal of all materials.
Coordinating deliveries: With a live site, Hurst had to manage hundreds of deliveries for their own team, subcontractors, and Wickes products. This coordination was crucial, especially during the final stages when products needed to be placed on the shelves.
Staff management and high-level works: Hurst had to ensure the safety and smooth operation of over forty staff members at any given time, including those involved in high-level construction activities throughout the entire build.
Results:
Despite the challenges, Hurst successfully transformed the outdated Decathlon store into a state-of-the-art Wickes flagship store in just 10 weeks. The project was delivered on schedule, meeting Wickes’ high standards and within the allocated budget. The store now offers an enhanced shopping experience for customers, with updated paint selections, a color matching service, stylish tiling and flooring options, and designated areas for Click & Collect, Park and Collect, and smart fulfillment. The newly refurbished staff amenities, racking systems, and outdoor areas contribute to an improved working environment for the Wickes team. Hurst’s dedication, expertise, and efficient project management have made the Bolton store a go-to destination for all home improvement needs.
