Project Overview
Contract Services was appointed to deliver a comprehensive refurbishment programme at The Bear, a major 108,000 sq ft industrial and logistics facility in Widnes. Working on behalf of Marchmont Investment and MAPP Building Consultancy, the project involved a wide-ranging package of internal, external and infrastructure upgrades designed to modernise the building, improve operational performance and enhance its long-term value.
The £3.3 million project included significant roof and external envelope improvements, loading bay upgrades, amenity refurbishment, M&E alterations and the replacement of a 750,000-litre sprinkler tank and associated pump house. The main refurbishment works were completed over a six-month programme, with a further four months dedicated to the sprinkler installation works.
Following completion, The Bear became a key strategic investment for LED Group and ROBUS, providing more than 13,500 pallet spaces and creating a major UK distribution hub designed to support future growth, increased stockholding capacity and enhanced customer service across the UK market.
Project Details
Client: Marchmont Investment
Contract Administrator: MAPP Building Consultancy
Location: Widnes
Value: £3.3 Million
Programme: 6 Months + 4 Months Sprinkler Works
Sector: Industrial & Logistics
The Brief
The client required a full refurbishment programme to enhance both the operational performance and market appeal of the facility.
The works needed to address ageing building elements, improve the appearance of the external envelope, modernise internal spaces and ensure the building’s infrastructure met the expectations of future occupiers. Alongside these improvements, the project also included major fire protection upgrades through the replacement of the existing sprinkler tank and associated systems.
Contract Services was appointed to manage and deliver the extensive programme of works while maintaining strict control over quality, safety, communication and programme performance throughout the project.
The Challenges
The scope of works covered almost every aspect of the facility, creating a complex refurbishment programme requiring careful coordination between multiple trades and specialist contractors.
Key challenges included:
- Overlaying the existing roof structure.
- Recoating all external elevations while encapsulating retained asbestos sheets.
- Replacing loading doors and dock levellers.
- Delivering extensive amenity block reconfiguration and refurbishment works.
- Removing existing gas supply and heating systems.
- Upgrading lighting throughout the facility.
- Replacing critical fire protection infrastructure, including a 750,000-litre sprinkler tank and pump house.
- Coordinating drainage, fencing and external repair works as part of the wider programme.
As with all large-scale industrial refurbishment projects, maintaining programme certainty, quality control and health and safety performance was essential throughout.
The Solution
Drawing on its extensive experience delivering complex industrial refurbishment projects, Contract Services provided a fully managed solution, coordinating all elements of the works through a dedicated project management team.
The project included:
- Overlaying the existing roof system.
- Recoating all external elevations.
- Encapsulation of retained asbestos sheeting.
- Loading door and dock leveller replacement.
- Epoxy floor coating within the loading bay area.
- Fire exit and window replacement.
- Two-storey amenity block reconfiguration and refurbishment.
- Full LED lighting upgrade.
- Removal of existing gas supply and heating systems.
- Drainage repairs.
- Fencing and gate repairs and redecoration.
- Replacement of the sprinkler tank and associated pump house.
- Internal wall repairs and full redecoration throughout.
Throughout the project, Contract Services maintained close communication with the client team through regular progress reporting, programme monitoring and proactive management of subcontractors and suppliers, ensuring all works were delivered safely and efficiently. This approach is supported by the company’s established project delivery procedures, including regular progress reporting, pre-qualified supply chain management and robust quality assurance processes.
The Results
The refurbishment has transformed The Bear into a modern, upgraded industrial facility ready to meet the needs of current and future occupiers.
The completed project delivers:
- Improved building performance and longevity.
- Enhanced external appearance.
- Modernised amenity facilities.
- More efficient LED lighting systems.
- Upgraded loading infrastructure.
- Refreshed internal warehouse and support spaces.
- Improved fire protection infrastructure through the installation of a new sprinkler tank and pump house.
- Increased appeal to prospective tenants and investors.
The project demonstrates Contract Services’ ability to successfully deliver large-scale industrial refurbishment schemes involving complex building fabric, infrastructure and compliance upgrades within a carefully managed programme.
Why Contract Services?
With four decades of construction experience and a strong track record within the industrial and logistics sector, Contract Services delivers refurbishment projects that combine technical expertise, rigorous health and safety standards and proactive project management.
From roof and cladding upgrades through to M&E improvements, infrastructure replacement and complete warehouse refurbishment programmes, Contract Services provides clients with a single point of contact and a coordinated delivery approach that reduces risk and ensures successful project outcomes.
Today, The Bear stands as a prime example of how a carefully managed refurbishment programme can unlock the value of an industrial asset. By combining extensive building fabric improvements, infrastructure upgrades and modernised facilities, the site has transformed into a strategic logistics hub capable of supporting the next phase of growth for its future occupier.