Peacocks and Bonmarche Watford
Project: Peacocks / Bonmarche Watford
Location
LondonDuration
7 weeks
Project lead
Gareth Williams
Value
N/A
Repurposing a department store into smaller units
Giles Davies has been a trusted partner for Bon Marche, Edinburgh Woollen Mill, and Peacocks brands since 2020. They have completed a variety of fit-outs for the group, primarily for new Peacocks Clothing Stores. These projects range from city centre locations to shopping centres and malls, each presenting unique challenges and requirements.
One of the larger Peacocks Stores Giles Davies has worked on is the Peacocks store at The Atria Watford. This unit, previously part of a John Lewis store, was subdivided into smaller retail spaces, with Giles Davies receiving a 7,000 sq ft white box unit. From scoping to handover, Giles Davies acted as the main contractor, collaborating closely with the client and direct partners to deliver the new store on time and in line with the client's expectations.
Having previous experience with The Atria Centre, Giles Davies was familiar with the centre’s prerequisites and retail design sign-off process. The project involved:
Full Internal Construction Fit-Out: Complete fit-out and commissioning of the store, managing the RD3-4 process, and ensuring compliance with building regulations.
Project Management and Coordination: Advised Peacocks and interfaced between their project management team and the centre’s property team. Managed the sign-off processes effectively.
Architectural and MEP Coordination: Reviewed and coordinated the architectural design, MEP, and fire strategies to ensure they aligned with the main program of works.
Shop Fitting Works: Constructed back-of-house areas, changing rooms, and ancillary spaces, including the full drylining and ceiling package.
Electrical and Plumbing Works: Installed new toilet facilities and completed the full wiring of the store, including power and data. Worked with the retail lighting subcontractor to deliver a functional and compliant lighting design.
Carpentry: Installed shop fitting units, cash desks, fitting rooms, and merchandising fittings.
Finishing Trades: Installed seamless LVT flooring in both front and back of house, conducted full floor preparation, and completed all decoration and finishing touches to walls, carpentry, and constructed elements.
Giles Davies coordinated the works in a live retail center, collaborating with another main contractor employed by the center on the subdivision works and managing client-direct contractors. Their efforts ensured a smooth and efficient project delivery, resulting in a visually appealing and fully functional retail space.
