Willmott Dixon Interiors is continuing its track-record as a market leader for the fit-out and conversion of hotels by being appointed for a £19m contract to create the UK’s first nhow hotel, which will be in Shoreditch.
It will see Willmott Dixon’s team of interior specialists fit-out a nine storey building in the new Foster + Partners designed mixed-use development called 250 City Road to create a 190 room hotel which includes restaurant, bar, gym and meeting rooms.
This takes the value of hotel work Willmott Dixon Interiors has secured and delivered in the last year to over £100m. Notable contracts include a high-end boutique hotel refurbishment at St Martin’s Place, Trafalgar Square, as well as several brand refreshes for Travelodge, converting apart-hotels in Long Lane and Earls Court into the Residence Inn by Marriott brand, plus rebrands for Village Hotels in Newcastle, Dudley and Leeds.
On the nhow hotel project, the company will deliver on the brand’s aim to provide a unique experience that sees the hotel positioned as a destination and hotspot for visitors to London.
The nhow brand was developed by NH Hotel Group and with existing hotels in Milan, Berlin and Rotterdam, nhow’s introduction in the UK further underlines London’s global appeal for hotel brands, investors and developers.
The design concept for the interior was developed by Project Orange creating a space where tradition and innovation collide, and old London is reloaded.
Willmott Dixon Interiors will take the new building from shell and core to completion. The company is working with project and cost managers Jones Lang LaSalle, with completion set for summer 2019.
Willmott Dixon recently completed another hotel close to the ever popular ‘tech city’ of Shoreditch, creating the 13 storey Dorsett City, London, next to Aldgate tube station and the 18th century St Botolph Church.
Willmott Dixon Interiors delivered an award winning Cat B fit out of 39 Victoria Street, the new head office for Department of Health. The project, which was procured under Scape framework saw WDI deliver their vision of an agile and flexible working space.
Willmott Dixon Interiors are pleased to see the project win an award for Sustainable Construction at this year’s London Construction Awards. These awards are the leading and most prestigious construction awards in London recognising achievements, developments and innovation within the construction industry.
Fully committed to sustainable development on every project, Willmott Dixon Interiors designed and built the project to BREEAM certification with contemporary, energy efficient environments that embraced modern, agile working methods which supported user wellbeing. This has now attracted interest from other Government Departments as they look to adopt similar working practices.
In addition, BIM was used to successfully design and deliver an attractive, yet highly cost effective and sustainable building for DoH. This helped Willmott Dixon Interiors win ‘Best overall BIM project’ at the RICS’ BIM4SME awards.
During the project, Willmott Dixon Interiors delivered a number of initiatives to promote the construction industry, encourage skills and create jobs. This included site visits for 760 students, 249 young people attending employability workshops and 107 apprentice weeks provided on site.
Graham Shaw, Managing Director for Willmott Dixon Interiors said, “We are delighted to have created this fantastic modern work space for the Department of Health, transforming the office space for its people with an environment that promotes flexible working. We are also extremely proud of the impact we have made on the local community focusing on local spend and helping enhance the lives of young people.”
Willmott Dixon Interior’s fit out of The Design Museum has been nominated for this years FX Award in the Museum or Exhibition Space Category. The project delivered high quality interior finishes of four floors across 10,000m squared of net internal space.
Willmott Dixon Interiors are pleased to see the project shortlisted for an FX Award, with the awards celebrating world class design excellence and celebrated at a glamorous black tie ceremony at the Grosvenor Hotel on 28th November 2018.
The most significant part of the project was the hyperbolic parabolic roof which required repair and restoration. Working alongside other contractors, Willmott Dixon Interiors ensured the roof retained its strength and aligned to the safety standards of today. The structural engineering team helped to ensure the listed roof and its primary support were reserved and strengthened while the internal structures were removed and reconstructed for the needs of a modern museum.
Willmott Dixon Interiors helped to increase the overall floor area through the enlargement of the basement creating a friendly atmosphere for the users and members of the museum.
During the project Willmott Dixon Interiors delivered a number of initiatives to preserve the heritage of the building whilst creating a contemporary museum such as the restoration and relocation of the stain glass windows into the ground floor façade. The original marble flooring was reused as the wall lining in the main atrium space and the decorative map of the commonwealth was re-hung off the permanent galleries.
The design has reclaimed its iconic example of post-war British Modernism as a contemporary cultural space which has preserved and enhanced its characteristic architectural qualities for future generations of Londoners and visitors to the city.
Willmott Dixon Interiors are very much looking forward to attending the FX Awards on the 18th November at the Grosvenor Hotel in central London.
Interior fit-out and refurbishment specialist, Willmott Dixon Interiors has pledged £1,500 to the Midlands branch of the Office Agents Society (OAS), supporting a team undertaking the autumn Wolf Run.
The sponsorship will go towards the OAS’s chosen charity, Moseley-based NICE, Centre for Movement Disorders and forms a significant contribution towards the society’s fundraising target of £8,000 in 2018.
A 15-strong team – including Willmott Dixon Interiors’ senior project surveyor, Jamie Brannigan – will undertake the gruelling Wolf Run course at Welsh Road Farm in Warwickshire, taking in ancient woodland, deep water crossings, mud, and obstacles on the 10k route.
One of the UK’s largest specialists in high quality interior fit out and refurbishment, Willmott Dixon Interiors’ work includes brand rollouts and refreshes as well as property fit-outs and refurbishments. With an existing portfolio of projects completed for high-profile cuctomers, Willmott Dixon Interiors has recently extended its service to the Midlands, opening a new office at Two Snowhill in Birmingham city centre.
Tom McEvoy, Willmott Dixon Interiors, said: “Our pledge to the OAS team is a great way for us to show our commitment to supporting both the local real estate market and make a contribution to an exceedingly worthwhile charity.” A national organisation that represents the interests of office agents across the UK, the OAS brings its members together on both social and professional levels to build strong regional networks.
The Midlands branch of the organisation has supported national charity NICE for several years, raising money through an annual programme of charity events. Midlands OAS member and Wolf Run team organiser Cameron Thomson, said: “NICE is a charity that does exceptional work with both children and adults who have a range of neurological movement disorders.
“Last year we raised our highest amount ever and through Willmott Dixon Interiors’ sponsorship, we’re hoping to smash our target and make 2018 another record-breaking year for the Midlands OAS.”
Willmott Dixon Interiors were proud to sponsor this year’s Travelodge Charity Day to help raise funds for the British Heart Foundation.
The day’s event consisted of activities including a Charity Football match with the Willmott Dixon Interiors team taking inspiration from England’s world cup efforts and making it through the semi-finals.
Above: Willmott Dixon Interiors presenting Peter Gower, Travelodge CEO, donation to support Travelodge’s chosen charity, British Heart Foundation at their Sleepy Hollow Head office where WDI are completing CAT B fit out to their office space.
Willmott Dixon Interiors have extensive experience working with the Travelodge brand on a variety of fit out and refurbishment projects for a number of their hotels nationwide. This includes over 35,000 Travelodge rooms completed to meet their brand standards within an ongoing rollout framework. Outside of the framework, Interiors have also completed a £4 million contract for a brand refresh to the Farringdon Travelodge and most recently a £5 million project to convert an existing office in Welwyn Garden City into a 79 Bed Travelodge hotel.
The Commercial sector experience held by Interiors has led to the team being appointed to deliver Cat B refurbishments to Travelodge’s head office in Sleepy Hollow where the charity day was held.
Everyone had a great day supporting the chosen charity and Willmott Dixon Interiors were pleased to take part in this great cause. Travelodge CEO, Peter Gower, personally thanked Willmott Dixon Interiors and expressed his appreciation for the donation made.
Thank you to Travelodge for hosting a fun filled day, Willmott Dixon Interiors are proud to be involved with this fantastic charity event.
Willmott Dixon Interiors are thrilled to have been selected as a finalist for the 2018 Construction News Talent Awards. These awards are a celebration and recognition of the people and initiatives that represent the best in the construction industry.
Shortlisted Categories
These categories recognise our efforts to take the lead in improving the construction industry’s reputation and standing in its local community as well as acknowledge the individuals who champion and lead these initiatives forward.
CSR Initiative of the year – Management Trainee Challenge
Through Last year’s Management Trainee Challenge, headed up by Connor Lambourne (also nominated for Graduate of the Year), Willmott Dixon Interiors worked in partnership with Thames Reach and Age UK where improving equality, diversity and inclusion in the construction industry and in the local community was a major focus. Read more
Graduate of the Year – Connor Lambourne
Since graduating from the Willmott Dixon Interiors Management Trainee scheme, Connor has made a tangible difference within our business and has established himself as a rising leader within the construction industry. In addition to increasing the standard of training undertaken by our Trainees, Connor has demonstrated innovation and long term impact championing diversity and social value.
Mentor of the Year – Anna Koukoullis
As our Community Investment and Apprenticeship Manager, Anna is a passionate role model for our business, our industry and the communities we serve. Anna is the Vice Chair of our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Team and works closely with our LGBT+, Age & Ability, Gender, Social Mobility and Behaviour sponsors, educating, coaching and nurturing them whilst, encouraging their participation in wider Social Value initiatives.
Investing in our People
Willmott Dixon Interiors are achievers of the Investors in People Gold Award, demonstrating excellence in growing and developing our people, being shortlisted for CN Talent Awards continues to show our commitment. Working at Willmott Dixon Interiors provides many exciting challenges to grow personally and professionally. Visit our careers page to find out more.
Construction News editor Tom Fitzpatrick said:
“We’ve based these awards around the values CN campaigns for, such as diversity, health & wellbeing and skills. This year’s shortlisted companies and individuals are going the extra mile to make construction an industry to be proud of.
“Our judges now have the unenviable task of picking our winners. Congratulations and good luck to all those who are shortlisted.”
The winners will be announced at a glamorous awards ceremony at the Park Plaza London Riverbank on 21 November.
Willmott Dixon Interiors delivered an award winning Cat B fit out of 39 Victoria Street, the new head office for Department of Health. The project , which was procured under Scape framework saw WDI deliver their vision of an agile and flexible working space.
Willmott Dixon Interiors are pleased to see the project being shortlisted for Sustainable Construction at this year’s London Construction Awards. These awards are the leading and most prestigious construction awards in London recognising achievements, developments and innovation within the construction industry.
Fully committed to sustainable development on every project, Willmott Dixon Interiors designed and built the project to BREEAM certification with contemporary, energy efficient environments that embraced modern, agile working methods which supported user wellbeing. This has now attracted interest from other Government Departments as they look to adopt similar working practices.
In addition, BIM was used to successfully design and deliver an attractive, yet highly cost effective and sustainable building for DoH. This helped Willmott Dixon Interiors win ‘Best overall BIM project’ at the RICS’ BIM4SME awards.
During the project, Willmott Dixon Interiors delivered a number of initiatives to promote the construction industry, encourage skills and create jobs. This included site visits for 760 students, 249 young people attending employability workshops and 107 apprentice weeks provided on site.
Graham Shaw, Managing Director for Willmott Dixon Interiors said, “We are delighted to have created this fantastic modern work space for the Department of Health, transforming the office space for its people with an environment that promotes flexible working. We are also extremely proud of the impact we have made on the local community focusing on local spend and helping enhance the lives of young people.”
The Winners and Runners Up will be announced during the awards ceremony on 23rd October 2018 at the exclusive Royal Garden Hotel, London.
Over the weekend, Willmott Dixon Interiors took part in celebrating Pride in London alongside 23 other construction organisations. The march represented #BuildingEquality, under the theme of ‘Pride Matters’.
The march was important to help increase awareness of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT+) employees working in the construction industry. This aims to encourage an inclusive environment, proven to reduce stress and anxiety amongst the LGBT+ community, allowing people’s talents to flourish.
Above: Willmott Dixon Interiors ready to march at Pride
A recent survey by Construction News found that 56% of LGBT+ respondents aren’t comfortable being open about their sexuality or gender, and a third (28%) have had an offensive or inappropriate comment made about their gender or sexuality in the workplace over the past year[1]. These results show that there is much work to be done to ensure the construction industry is a truly diverse and inclusive workplace for its LGBT+ employees and that is why the work of #BuildingEquality and its members is so vitally important.
Above: #BuildingEquality represented by Willmott Dixon Interiors alongside other construction firms.
Above: Willmott Dixon Interiors project, St Martins Placerepresenting Pride on site
Willmott Dixon Interiors were represented by the EDI Committee, set-up to tackle the challenges around equality, diversity and inclusion within the construction industry. Connie Robson Velaetis, Sales Manager who also sits as part of the EDI committe said ”We couldn’t have asked for a better reception and we couldn’t be happier to have made a stance and let the world know that Willmott Dixon Interiors are inclusive of everyone, no matter how they identify”. To find out more about EDI at Willmott Dixon Interiors click here.
[1] Construction News 2017 LGBT+ survey – https://www.constructionnews.co.uk/data/lgbt-survey-constructions-slow-progress-laid-bare/10027190.article
Each year Willmott Dixon Interiors participate in community investment projects, as part of Willmott Dixon Foundation. This also involves empowering our Management Trainees to make a real difference to peoples’ lives and develop them into young professionals. Last year we saw Connor Lambourne take on the challenge to enhance the lives of people in Southwark in partnership with Age UK and Thames Reach.
This year Jordan Wilding, Management Trainee, has taken on the challenge by teaming up with Grove Park Youth Club Building Preservation Trust to offer opportunities to young people in the Lewisham borough.
Helping to restore London’s lost youth services
In the past year reports have shown that more than 30 youth centres have closed in London since 2011. This has had a major impact on young lives where vulnerable people have fallen into crime. Good quality youth services are needed to help young people develop skills and live positive social lives that will make them less vulnerable to crime (source: City Hall Green).
Willmott Dixon Interiors are pleased to support Grove Park Youth Club to help restore their youth centre in Lewisham. The challenge will include refurbishing the youth club, which has been permanently closed since 2013 with no use to the local community. Residents have petitioned to re-open the building and put back life and use into the building for the youth and wider community.
Through years of expertise in interior fit out and refurbishment, Willmott Dixon Interiors will help develop the building into a thriving self-sufficient community hub. The refurbishment will act as a catalyst for the re-opening of the club and offer a space for the local users with a facility to socialise and most importantly allow young people to have a place that can take them away from possible negative environments on a daily basis.
Above: BBC News report on London’s Youth Services
Providing employment opportunities
We will also take on nominated young people from Lewisham Council on our WDI training programme. The programme will provide candidates with training sessions over the course of a week prior to the refurbishment project. This will help increase their awareness and skill-set in relation to construction as well as professional skills. The candidates will then be given two weeks work experience to help them apply their skills throughout the refurbishment of the Grove Park Youth Club. Further on-the-job training will be provided from our supply chain partners and company team members.
The ultimate purpose of this training and experience is for each candidate to achieve either employment, an apprenticeship or further opportunities to help develop their prospects.
Key Facts
- 26% of Lewisham residents are living in poverty
- 44% of pupils in Lewisham did not achieve A*- C grades in English and maths. This is lower than any other London borough
- 25% of the Lewisham population are under 19 and over the next 20 years the borough is expected to see the 2nd fastest rate of growth in inner London
- 42% of 19 year olds in Lewisham do not have Level 3 qualifications, compared with an average of 34% across Outer London boroughs
HELP PUT SOMETHING BACK INTO YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY
We require all the help available in order to make the biggest impact to the local community. To volunteer your time, or to donate labour and materials, contact Jordan.Wilding@willmottdixon.co.uk
15 May 2018 – Procurement Hub, a procurement specialist that is part of Places for People, have named Willmott Dixon preferred bidder to be sole contractor on its newly created Major Projects Framework, which has the potential to deliver £2.5bn of construction work over the next four years.
The framework covers all public-sector projects on a single source basis and is open to every public body to use for construction of new and existing buildings as well as retrofit, refurbishment, repairs and maintenance.
It provides public bodies with OJEU compliant access to Willmott Dixon’s construction expertise, along with that of the company’s partners Robertson, who will deliver Procurement Hub projects in Scotland, and Farrans, responsible for Northern Ireland. Fortem will deliver repairs work through another Procurement Hub framework, Built Environment.
Group chief executive Rick Willmott says, “We have a relationship with Places for People stretching back over a decade and teaming up with its Procurement Hub gives us another important channel alongside our existing frameworks to deliver high-quality construction projects for our public sector customers.
“As a recent Queen’s Awards for Enterprise winner for Promoting Opportunity, we’ll also focus on how we can improve the life opportunities of people living close to those projects we deliver through this framework.”
Procurement Hub is a leader in driving innovation and change; and specialising in the procurement of frameworks and dynamic purchasing systems that deliver best value and efficiencies to their customers. As a division of Places for People Group, it is part of one of the largest property management, development, regeneration and leisure companies in the UK.
This is the latest major framework for Willmott Dixon, which is on Scape Group’s National Construction Framework and the Southern Construction Framework. In the last five years, it has delivered over 200 projects under both frameworks, and it was recently declared Southern Construction Framework’s contractor of the year for the second successive time.
A big focus of Willmott Dixon’s work through frameworks is supporting SMEs and strengthening local economies, with the company able to take a collaborative approach to supply chain selection with each customer. On its current work with Scape, 79 per cent of project spend is with companies based within 40 miles of the project, while 90% of overall project spend is with SMEs.
Rick says, “Procurement Hub’s Major Projects framework is another important way for public bodies to acquire a capital project. Single source frameworks provide particular benefits in that they give customers a streamlined, consistent procurement process to gain access to experienced contractors already vetted for quality, durability and competitiveness.”
Rick continues, “With our excellent geographic coverage in England and Wales alongside the support of delivery partners Farrans and Robertson, we look forward to engaging with existing and new public sector customers through Procurement Hub.”
Willmott Dixon has people based in all its offices in England and Wales with specific responsibility for the success of each individual framework the company has a place on. The company delivers a variety of projects under existing frameworks, which include building M-SParc, Wales’ first science park in Anglesey, under the North Wales Framework, upgrading Old Admiralty Building for Scape as the new home of the DfE and making Bristol’s famous Colston Hall concert arena a venue fit for hosting the UK’s best entertainment acts, delivered under the Southern Construction Framework.
Willmott Dixon Interiors are pleased to be part of this new framework to deliver fit out and refurbishment projects for public sector customers.