FMJ Facilities Management magazine providing industry-specific intelligence to FM and property professionals
Willmott Dixon Interiors is extending its track-record for modernising the offices of key Government departments with a role to refurbish the Grade II listed Sanctuary Buildings in London that is home to the Department for Education (DfE).
Previously the company created a modern new workspace for the Department of Health and Social Care at 39 Victoria Street before then carrying out the large-scale refurbishment of the Old Admiralty Building, which is the new London headquarters of the Department for International Trade.
Now Willmott Dixon’s interiors specialist has been appointed to deliver the phased CAT B fit-out of 12,850m2 across floors of the property in Victoria. The 27-month project will create a more modern, sustainable and streamlined office environment that reflects the Department’s adoption of hybrid working practices. It plays to Interiors’ strengths for creating collaborative and open plan workspaces, hot desking facilities and staff breakout areas, as well as new meeting rooms with state-of-the-art conferencing technology. There’s also a focus on sensory, cognitive, physical or developmental needs, along with improved lighting and a muted colour palette.
Existing plant facilities will be upgraded as part of DfE’s decarbonisation agenda, while the infrastructure will be put in place to support the future use of photovoltaic solar panelling.
Graham Shaw, Managing Director at Willmott Dixon Interiors, said: “This will allow the DfE to facilitate hybrid working within its base at Sanctuary Buildings. We’ll be refurbishing the building to modern standards and future proofing its plant facilities to deliver a sustainable workplace environment that promotes wellbeing and inclusivity. It is the second significant project we have been appointed to deliver on behalf of the customer and we’ll be working in close collaboration to ensure everything is completed on time and with minimal disruption to occupant.”
The contract was awarded via the Southern Construction Framework.
The project team also includes Arcadis, which is delivering principal design, project management and cost consultancy services.
Are you confident that your contractors and suppliers meet ethical labour standards and human rights obligations?
For many FM services, managing multiple third parties in the supply chain can be a complex challenge. And, in a sector that relies heavily on migrant workers and 65 per cent of FM services facing difficulties in sourcing workers (Q4 2022 RICS survey), exposure to exploitation and modern slavery is a very real risk. With the UK one of the biggest destinations in Europe for trafficking of workers, you need full visibility of the people you work with, so you can minimise your risks and identify which part of your supply chain is most vulnerable.
FMJ, in partnership with Alcumus, is pleased to bring together a panel of experts to discuss how to create an ethical supply chain in FM.
Taking place at 11am on Wednesday 21st of June, the webinar will discuss:
- The regulations to be aware of that are aimed at preventing human right abuses.
- How to gain greater visibility of modern slavery compliance in the supply chain by having a robust verification process in place.
- Steps to creating a compliant, ethical supply chain.
To register for the webinar click here.
