The Project:
As every traveller knows, there’s nothing more important than your morning coffee as you pass through a busy train station. Centenary Coffee & Co have a clear brand, delivering quality drinks and snacks to passengers on the move.
We are familiar with the Centenary Coffee & Co brand as existing clients, and we were delighted to be asked to work on their next project. Although there is a distinct brand, every branch has to be adapted to suit the size of the unit in its unique location. Our brief this time was to turn an empty ex-newsagent unit into a welcoming coffee lounge and takeaway for commuters while remaining sympathetic to the heritage of the building and the year it was constructed.
The Challenges:
The logistics of working around a busy train station filled with bustling, rushing and often distracted commuters are quite considerable. SKK always puts the safety of the public and our team first, so we were very aware of Health & Safety on this project.
Delivering materials was our first challenge. Deliveries were made early in the morning or later at night. Parking was remote, so our team needed to carry materials some distance from the car park to the unit.
The unit itself was quite restricted in size, which meant we had to stagger the various tradesmen so they could work safely without being on top of each other. This requires a very clear plan so that each layer of work is carried out in a logical and efficient manner.
We needed to provide a heritage and design package to demonstrate every material, colour, specification and finish we planned to use. We also had to comply with Avanti West Coast worksite-specific method statements (AWC – V9). This was a 40-page document for safety.
Once we began it quickly became clear that the electrical supply to the unit was too small for requirements. We called in our trusted contractors to upgrade the system – a far more detailed and lengthier task than expected due to the restrictions provided by the railway. Similarly, fire protection requirements were complex, and we worked hard to find solutions that were acceptable to the railway and fully compliant with regulations.
The Journey:
The unit had previously been a newsagent before lying empty, which meant there was little to salvage to suit the Centenary Coffee & Co brand.
SKK always works with trusted contractors for electrics, flooring, signage, tiling and joinery and our sister company, ADR, for decorating. We oversee every step of the project, which means we know our team is reliable, uses quality materials and delivers on time.
We began by stripping out the existing walls, floors and ceiling to the shell. The floor was repaired and levelled, and the plumbing upgraded, with improved drainage. The entire unit was re-wired, including an upgrade of the electrical mains, and new lighting, and a complete CCTV system was installed. To complete the safety aspects, a new fire alarm was added and linked to the station’s main system.
Once the key services were in place, we were able to complete the aesthetics. We added a lovely ceramic and vinyl flooring, cladded the walls and constructed a new solid ceiling. The beautiful counter was completely bespoke, manufactured and installed by our expert joiners, creating a unique and visual welcome to customers.
We finished by installing the new equipment, decoration and interior and exterior signage and, of course, gave the entire unit a complete and sparkling clean.
As always, our tradesmen went above expectations to work to our staggered schedule and complete the job, with the final connections being completed in the middle of the night. We appreciate the support of the nominated contractors who managed the interface into the landlord’s system.
The Result:
While we had the client brief, we had to adapt the design to suit the unit size. This means using different materials in every project, and in this case, that also suited the age and style of the building. Restrictions were also imposed by Great Western Railway, and compliance meant everything had to be vetted by National Railway.
Our experience in working in heritage buildings means we could suggest materials to the client that blend in well with the building, respect the era and remain in line with their brand. The end result is a vibrant coffee shop, with a bright and spacious feel, that suits the age of the station and offers a much-welcomed service to commuters.
Centenary Coffee & Co are a client that recognises and values the importance of a good recommendation. We are very proud to be their preferred shopfitter, and we know that our reputation as a company, and that of Spencer with his knowledge, reliability and attitude, adds to their trust in us.
Testimonial from the client
“
We are proud to call SKK our partners. From the inception of our ideas and vision, SKK has been instrumental in bringing our concepts to life, particularly in the design and fitting out of the interiors of our cafes.
One of the most commendable aspects of working with SKK is their commitment to understanding our goals and aspirations. They take the time to listen to our requirements, ensuring that every detail is carefully considered and incorporated into the final design. This level of dedication gives us total confidence in their service.
SKK’s professionalism and expertise are second to none. Their team exhibits a high degree of skill and craftsmanship in their work, consistently delivering results that exceed our expectations. Whether it’s creating bespoke furnishings, executing intricate design elements, or restoring original listed interiors, SKK demonstrates their expertise that sets them apart in the industry.
What truly sets SKK apart, however, is their exceptional after-service. Even after the completion of a project, they remain completely available and responsive to any enquiries or concerns we may have. Their willingness to go above and beyond to ensure our satisfaction is unparalleled, making them a true partner we can rely on.
In summary, we wholeheartedly recommend SKK to anyone seeking a partner for their interior design and fitting out needs. Their dedication, professionalism, and exemplary after-service make them stand out as leaders in their field. Working with SKK has been a pleasure, and we look forward to continuing our partnership for many years to come.
”Point S
Field to Fork
Derriford Hospital Pharmacy, Plymouth
Get In Touch
Call us on:
01922 662 777Email us at:
sales@skkinteriors.co.ukVisit us:
Unit 2 Optical Park,Middlemore Lane West,
Aldridge, Walsall
West Mids.
WS9 8EJ