Client: Canal & River Trust
Appointed By: Avison Young
Sector: Industrial/Office
Location: Birmingham
Project Value: £4.9 Million
Programme: 58 Weeks
The Brief
• Deliver a phased refurbishment and redevelopment project • Upgrade the building fabric, infrastructure, and office accommodation • Improve operational efficiency, sustainability, and occupier experience • Create high-specification industrial and office
The Solution
• Delivered a comprehensive two-phase refurbishment programme • Undertook extensive strip-out, demolition and structural alterations • Completed a £1.2 million MEP design and installation package • Sustainability improvements including EV charging infrastructure
The Outcome
• Successfully modernised the industrial estate • Significant building and infrastructure improvements • Enhanced operational efficiency and workplace environments • Delivered high-specification industrial and Grade A office accommodation • Improved sustainability credentials and occupier experience
The client required a comprehensive refurbishment of Units B and C to modernise ageing industrial assets while maintaining programme, quality, and budget objectives.
Following the insolvency of the previous tenant’s business, no dilapidation or reinstatement costs were recoverable, placing greater emphasis on achieving the refurbishment within a carefully managed budget. This created an additional challenge for the project team, requiring a value-driven approach to maximise the client’s investment while delivering the required improvements.
As the units were unoccupied throughout the works, it was also essential that the refurbishment was delivered efficiently to minimise the void period and bring the assets back to market as quickly as possible. A timely turnaround was critical to enhancing the units’ appeal to prospective occupiers and securing a new tenant at the earliest opportunity.
The project involved multiple specialist work packages, significant infrastructure improvements, and extensive building upgrades. Careful coordination and effective management were essential to ensure the phased delivery strategy minimised disruption while achieving the desired transformation of the estate.
Maintaining quality standards, programme certainty, and cost control throughout delivery was critical to the project’s success.
Working collaboratively throughout design development and construction, we coordinated multiple specialist disciplines to ensure efficient delivery, minimise risks, and maximise value.
Through early engagement and close collaboration with the client team, we established a clear scope of works and phased delivery strategy aligned with the project’s objectives.
Our proactive and solutions-focused approach enabled the team to respond effectively to project challenges while maintaining programme momentum, quality standards, and budget control.
Extensive strip-out and demolition works
Removal of the existing biomass system
Roof and gutter refurbishment including liquid coating systems
Civils, groundworks, and drainage remediation works
Resurfacing and line marking works
Cladding refurbishment
External decorations
Installation of new fencing and gates
£1.2 million MEP design and installation package
EV charger installations
Sprinkler testing and remedial works
Grade A office fit-out
Structural alterations
Fire stopping works
Contractor-designed elements
Specialist cleaning works
External decorations and finishing works
Close collaboration with subcontractors, suppliers, consultants, and the client team was essential to maintain clear communication and ensure project objectives were achieved throughout the programme.
Delivered in two phases, the project successfully transformed Units B and C through extensive refurbishment and redevelopment works.
The completed development provides high-specification industrial and office accommodation, enhanced building performance, improved infrastructure, and upgraded workplace environments. Significant improvements to sustainability, operational efficiency, and occupier facilities have increased the long-term value and marketability of the estate.
The success of the refurbishment was demonstrated by Unit C securing immediate occupancy following practical completion, validating the quality of the works and the effectiveness of the redevelopment strategy in meeting current market requirements.
The result is a modern industrial asset capable of meeting the requirements of future occupiers while supporting efficient day-to-day operations, while positioning the estate to attract and retain high-quality tenants for the long term.
TJ Elsdon delivers refurbishment projects with care, control, and attention to detail that professional teams expect.
Undertake a comprehensive refurbishment and modernisation
Comprehensive refurbishment and upgrade of an industrial facility.
Undertake a targeted refurbishment of office units
