A New Chapter for an East London Icon: Capel C.S Completes Refurbishment & Redevelopment of 325 Bethnal Green
325 Bethnal Green pictured Before (1980’s) and After refurbishment works (2025). Photos copyright: Capel C.S Ltd, Rankin Jewellers
London, 29th April 2025- Capel C.S Ltd is proud to announce the successful completion of the redevelopment works at 325 Bethnal Green Road, London, on behalf of long-standing jewellery brand and client, Rankin Jewellers, for the demolition and refurbishment of their existing retail unit and the offices above.
A staple of the Bethnal Green community since the late 1960s, Rankin Jewellers closed the doors to their iconic retail space in 2020 to embrace a solely digital chapter. Now with a global online presence and over 75,000 social media followers, the next generation of the Rankin family continues the brand’s legacy with a revitalised business model — and a refurbished building to match.
Residential Property 1: Bedroom 1 after completion
“As the younger members of the Rankins family, we are proud to have taken our business solely online and are really looking forward to the next chapter for 325 Bethnal Green. Capel have done a fantastic job and have been a great team to work with – from the communication, to understanding our goals and their high quality work, it has been a seamless experience throughout,” said X, Rankins.
Complex Urban Demolition and Groundworks
Appointed as Principal Contractor, Capel C.S undertook the demolition of the original retail unit and associated office space, navigating challenging logistics due to limited rear access on the bustling high street- requiring precise coordination and careful planning throughout.
As the demolition progressed, the construction contractors carried out strategic structural propping, working alongside structural engineers to safeguard adjacent buildings. Once the site was prepared, new foundations were excavated and reinforced with the installation of new reinforced concrete foundations and slab.
Residential Property 1: Bedroom 2 after completion
Following the completion of the groundwork, the steel frame for the new four-story building was erected. Timber joists and plywood floors were installed systematically, with the temporary propping carefully removed under the supervision of the structural engineer as the work progressed.
Residential Property 1: Balcony and Staircase pictured
Robust External Envelope and Structure
Brick and blockwork formed the new external envelope, including boundary walls to neighbouring properties, following the installation of a robust fibreglass roof to provide weatherproof seal to the structure. The build was carefully phased to maintain the stability of surrounding buildings and keep the project progressing on schedule.
Residential Property 2: Balcony and Bedroom 1 after completion
Full Fit-Out with a Modern Finish
Internally, bespoke partitioning was installed to meet both acoustic and fire performance standards and requirements based on their location within the structure, with full comprehensive mechanical and electrical fit-out delivered across the residential and retail elements on both properties, 325 and 327.
This included plumbing, drainage, fire alarm systems, full IT infrastructure and the inclusion of a fully DDA-compliant WC.
New staircases were installed along with fire-rated doors and fire breaks to ensure full compliance, and acoustic flooring was fitted to mitigate sound transfer between levels.
Residential Property 2: Kitchen 1 after completion
“We are honoured to have given 325 Bethnal Green a new lease of life and new purpose. It was important to keep the external aesthetic of the building in alignment with the rest of the surroundings, whilst providing a modern touch to the interiors but a robust structure to the exterior. We thank the Rankins team for their trust on this project and hope the properties are enjoyed!” said Peter, G Project Manager, Capel C.S
Finally, the residential units were completed to a high standard, with contemporary kitchens, modern bathrooms, acoustic flooring, and high-quality decorative finishes throughout.
Bedrooms were carpeted, while kitchens and living areas were fitted with durable timber laminate flooring, and skirtings and architraves were added throughout for a crisp and polished look.
Each apartment now benefits from a private balcony, finished with paving and safety balustrades, accessed through double-glazed sliding doors.
Residential Property 2: Bathroom after completion
The project was completed with the installation of anodised double-glazed windows throughout and a new anodised double-glazed frontage for the ground floor retail unit. This project is a testament to Capel C.S Ltd’s commitment to delivering complex refurbishment and new build schemes with precision and care — all while preserving the rich history of a cherished local landmark, working closely with the client.
Thank you to our clients and friends for bringing Capel C.S on board and for their trust.
For more information on the project, or on Capel C.S Ltd, please visit us at www.capelcsltd.com/news or contact us at info@capelcsltd.com
ENDS
About Capel C.S Ltd
Established in 1993, Capel C.S Ltd is dedicated to delivering cost-effective, innovative, high-end construction solutions to clients within the commercial, residential, and public sectors. With a history of successful projects, an unrivalled reputation and a commitment to client satisfaction, Capel C.S continues to shape spaces and create environments that inspire.
For press enquiries, please contact Hortence at press@capelcsltd.com
