Primark Birmingham

Converting Birmingham’s Old Pavilions into Europe’s largest Primark store

Initially, this project entailed the demolition of 10,500m2 of floor space, as well as the installation of a façade-retention structure, structural steel temporary bracing and structural propping to enable safe demolition. However, since beginning work on the project, we have also been tasked with constructing the upper composite concrete floors, which cover 14,000m2, as well as the in situ concrete basement elements.

Our team carried out a pre-construction survey prior to commencing operational works. This established the necessary detail, such as the extent of the structure and service layouts - including adjoining buildings and businesses.

Prior to works commencing, we carried out protection to the two units internally and cordoned off the access with secure temporary works provisions. Modifications were made to M&E services so that they remained live to the units at all times. Then we were able to switch the services to the new feeds without interruption that would have affected the two units.

Additional builders works were also applied to modify the entrance and paving area within the High Street as well as alterations to H&M’s facade in preparation for the new facade works. Major alterations to layout were required to suit the proposed new store, as the existing layout suited the multi-unit setup that is more typical of this type of shopping centre.

The main core was demolished, and structural alterations were carried out to allow new steel installations to connect to the existing retained frames that formed the boundaries of the structure.

To meet the programme for the dismantling and installation, a three-tier floor methodology was adopted, incorporating temporary works of scaffold and crash deck, existing floors and proposed floors.

This methodology allowed for floors to be removed below others and new floors to be installed over others without impacting works in any way. A rib deck was implemented within the new steel frame to allow our team to complete concrete pours to finish new floor levels. Propping was also required to ensure that areas of floors removed were secured at the retaining frames; this was to maintain structural balance.