LONDON TRIBUNALS, MARTINS LANE

This project comprised a JCT Intermediate Contract delivering a Category B fit-out, for returning client, London Councils within a live, multi-occupied building in the City of London. The works included reconfiguring existing mechanical, electrical, pluming and heating services, installing new ceilings, partitions and finishes, and providing upgraded power, data, lighting, access control and acoustic treatments across  320m². The scheme was delivered to a fast-tracked nine-week programme while maintaining full compliance with building management protocols and ensuring minimal disruption to neighbouring occupiers.

We removed the existing ceiling grid, conducted strip-out and enabling works, and reconfigured the heating, cooling and air-conditioning systems. New installations included small power and data, access control, automatic door systems, fire and panic alarms, feature and general lighting.  Specialist acoustic installations comprised of an SAS concealed metal pan ceiling, plasterboard, double-glazed partitions & doors, wall linings, with additional acoustic treatments within the ceiling and floor voids.

Additional works included the formation of a new kitchen/tea point and all floor and wall finishes.   Mechanical works involved extending the existing VRF system with an additional unit and providing local controls to the individual rooms, a necessity for the private & confidential appointments held within. Electrical works included connections to a newly renewed distribution board reusing the existing lighting panel and integrating proximity sensors.

Bespoke office desks were installed providing access solutions within the constrained areas and an oak-panelled reception desk welcoming visitors.

Works commenced with the removal of the suspended ceiling and lighting to enable installation of bulkheads designed to receive double-glazed partitions to hearing rooms, offices and quiet rooms. Early establishment of the underfloor busbar allowed power and data distribution to be aligned with the new furniture layouts. This sequencing enabled accurate, early, measurement and procurement of glazed partitions and doors, supporting programme efficiency.

The project was delivered within a live environment with floors above remaining operational. All personnel adhered to building management’s permit processes.

Site establishment was positioned within the work area and segregated using fire-rated movable screens to maintain safety and flexibility as works progressed.

Despite limited access on a no-through road, deliveries and waste removal were successfully managed through early scheduling.  Dedicated access/egress routes were agreed, and noisy works were restricted to allocated timeframes as agreed with the client.

Close communication with the on-site building manager ensured issues were resolved quickly, maintaining strong working relationships throughout.

The project was delivered against an aggressive nine-week construction programme, requiring precise sequencing, early procurement and proactive problem solving. Key measures included:

• Fast-tracked procurement of glazing and joinery enabled by early site measurements.
• Adaptable site set-up using movable fire-rated partitions to maintain progress while working within confined space.
• Programme resilience, allowing client-direct furniture and IT contractors to commence installation on schedule despite late arrival of bespoke joinery.
• Value engineering solutions to support programme and cost certainty, including sourcing equivalent lighting with shorter lead times and alternative glazed screens offering equivalent or improved acoustic performance and shared cost savings.

These solutions allowed the wider programme to remain on track and ensured the client’s operational needs were met without compromise.

The early completion of the main works allowed client-direct contractors to progress without disruption. Feedback from the client and project team has been highly positive. Strong communication, effective stakeholder management and careful coordination within a live building ensured a smooth delivery and high-quality finish.