Returning to the workplace post Covid-19: Capel C.S Ltd wins award for contract delivered to refurbish Greater Anglia’s Norwich Station Offices ahead of employees return

Capel C.S Ltd is pleased to announce that the office refurbishment project for UK-leading Train.Operating Company (TOC), Greater Anglia is now complete and ready to welcome their staff back in later this month.

Earlier in the year, the construction contractors were awarded the contract for works to refurbish
GA’s staff offices at the historic Norwich Train Station building on the 1st floor. Capel C.S. have vast experience in working with UK-leading TOCs and this was their first time invited to do works for Greater Anglia.

The office facilities at Norwich represent the northern point of the client’s network offices and are home to a large number of staff, including the Customer Service and Operations teams.

Bringing Comfort & Productivity Together

After more than 18 months of employees working remotely, the client’s intention is for its employees to return to the newly revamped offices, contributing to a smooth transition back into the workplace.

The open-plan spaces were designed to be conducive of a feel of openness and collaboration for its occupants, as well as provide a comfortable and modern feel to its breakout and reception areas in the historic Grade II building. Paul Coomber, Managing Director of Capel C.S. says, “It is important in any office environment that employees have workspaces supportive of maintaining their health and well-being, and that is what we wanted to help deliver at Norwich”.

Together On Every Touch-Point

In order to ensure all necessary functions and facilities for the day-to-day running of the operations were satisfied, the construction contractors carried out consultations with all departments that were to occupy the new offices. New meeting rooms, new bathrooms alongside changing facilities, new
breakout areas and individual offices were built.

And in spite of strict Covid-19 working rules demanded earlier in the year, Capel’s project team very quickly established a great working relationship with all parties on the project, from the design team through to the site managers and operatives carrying out the works. This allowed close working and effective communication through all project stages in order to stay on-time for the expected return date of the employees.

Preserving Grade II Heritage

As a historic Grade II building, Capel’s team worked diligently with the conservation planner to preserve important heritage features of the building such as ornate cornices, which were preserved even when the walls beneath them were removed. And like any project involving the refurbishment of old buildings, a few surprises of the structure along the way challenged the project team who were able to quickly find and implement solutions alongside the GA team. “Working with Capel C.S has been an extremely positive experience. From the very start of the project, they have displayed professionalism and strong collaborative management. Working closely with the GA project team, they helped to negate many issues that such a complex project invariably highlights to deliver a safe and comfortable staff accommodation.” – Kieran Gallagher, Project Manager at Greater Anglia

Having completed works early in the month, Capel C.S. Ltd were given an award by Greater Anglia for their “Exemplary Delivery” of work and look forward to maintaining a relationship and delivering more first-class projects together in the future.

Capel C.S Completes Demolition of Colchester Car Park for Greater Anglia Ahead of its Re-Design for 2026

Colchester Train Station.   Photos copyright: Greater Anglia, Capel C.S Ltd

London, 1st April, 2025- Capel C.S Ltd, a leading name in the construction industry, is pleased to announce the successful contract delivery at Colchester Train Station, Essex, London, for the de-construction of the station car park, ahead of its redesign stage due in summer 2026.

Greater Anglia first closed the Colchester Car Park in July 2024 after a structural survey of the decked area suggested potential deterioration of the structure, requiring it to be closed to the public. Capel C.S was then contracted for the de-construction of the car park, swiftly undertaking the Form C and Form G surveys for electrical works, as well as providing temporary propping works pre demolition.

The car park services consisting of Power, Data & Comms and ANPR were re-routed and re-positioned from the structure, and necessary protection was applied to assets within its foot-print. The Capel contractors undertook ALO planning and mitigation with the Network Rail ASPRO team to ensure no damages could occur to their assets and operational railway, as well as liaised with Rail Infrastructure for special consideration due to its close proximity.

Before and During the Colchester Train Station Car Park Demolition.

Given the Colchester train station experiences high traffic and activity throughout the day, all deliveries of equipment and material removals from the structure required meticulous planning to work within the provided space.

The identified works were split into two phases to protect the public, as well as maintain access to the rest of the car park and depots and signal box during the de-construction stage. Temporary traffic lights were installed, and upon completion, a new double lane access road was installed for safe access to pedestrians, and the separate single access to the depots and signal box was re-opened.

Capel is pleased to announce that all works were completed seamlessly and on-time. The Capel team has been commended by Greater Anglia on their satisfaction with both the works carried out and the team.

“We know many people choose to park at our station, and this essential work will improve the car park at Colchester.” Said Simone Bailey, Asset Management Director, Greater Anglia. “We apologise for any inconvenience caused while the work takes place, and we would like to thank customers for their patience and understanding.”

Capel’s team are currently working on optioneering with Greater Anglia to re-design the layout of the area with design work now underway.

The new scope the car park aims to result in an increase in the overall number of accessible bays. There will also be new walking routes, improved lighting, and CCTV, along with new cycle parking and motorcycle parking. Once the detailed design stage has been completed, the new car park will be built, with the overall project due for completion next summer (2026).

Thank you to our clients at Greater Angia for bringing us on-board to another project on their station network, delivering all works on-time and on-budget.

For more information on Capel C.S Ltd, please visit us at www.capelcsltd.com 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

 

Another First-Class Contract Delivered for MTR Elizabeth line: The Taplow Station Refurbishment is Complete

Capel C.S Ltd is pleased to announce that works for Taplow’s Rail Station for MTR Elizabeth line are
now complete. Having successfully delivered previous contracts for the Langley and West Drayton
stations for MTR in the last couple of years, the construction contractors were awarded their third
major contract for the Elizabeth line on behalf of TfL for the refurbishment and remodeling of
Taplow earlier this year.

Another Milestone Reached

Taplow in Buckinghamshire sits on the Western section of the Elizabeth line, where up to 4 Elizabeth
line trains will run in each direction every hour for passengers to go into central London without
having to change trains once the full route opens.

The station underwent a complete refurbishment both internally and externally. Capel were
contracted for the refurbishment and remodelling of the Ticket Office, Booking Hall and Station
Entrance, a new Southern Entrance, staff facility room, revamped public toilets, a brand new MTR
store room and the provision for a Tenancy unit, with an electrical upgrade throughout.

“Capel C.S have been a great supplier and team to work alongside with during this project. Works
were completed on-time and delivered at the highest of quality.”
Loui Harris, Project Manager at
MTR Elizabeth line.

The refurbishment works also included external station and platform works, with the addition of a
brand-new southern entrance with step-free access. To ensure the station was fully accessible to the
public and operational during the refurb, enabling works provisioned a temporary Ticket Office, a
staff room and temporary public toilets.

Jon Shepherd, Chartered Contracts Manager who worked on the project says, “A great and very
rewarding project for us all involved at Capel C.S. We hope the passengers using the station along
with MTR Elizabeth line’s staff will enjoy the new facilities for years to come. It looks absolutely
brilliant!”

Enhancing Every-Day Life & Security

To further improve passengers’ experience, the interior was designed to give a clutter free and
unified look throughout, with a larger Booking Hall for passengers during peak times. This included
works on the existing station entrance and building the additional entrance, whilst incorporating

air conditioning in the ticket office area and a new MVHR system to provide good ventilation to the
space. And to maximise safety and security to the public, the Booking Hall received new roller
shutters and a brand-new CCTV system throughout, with a brand-new LED Lighting system within
the new suspended ceiling system.

Capel C.S Ltd were pleased to be working on another project for MTR Elizabeth line, enabling their
contribution to the UK’s rail infrastructure to expand and grow rail capacity across the nation.

Once fully open, the Elizabeth line will link 41 stations across 62 miles of track, increasing central
London’s rail capacity by 10%.

Photos Copyright: MTR Elizabeth line, Crossrail, Capel C.S Ltd

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

 

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