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.
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
Capel C.S awarded Principal Contractor (PC) Licence Management Systems Accepted (MSA) Status by Network Rail
London, 10th April, 2024- Capel C.S Ltd, a leading name in the construction industry, has been awarded the status of a Principal Contractor (PC) Licence Management Systems Accepted (MSA) by Network Rail (NWR). Since 1993, the construction contractors have specialised in the planning, design, refurbishment, and general construction and maintenance of public use building structures and public facilities throughout London and the UK.
In the last decade, Capel C.S began to mark their stamp in the railway industry, working with various UK-leading TOCs (Train-Operating-Company) on several projects across the nation’s rail network, including station refurbishments alongside client Greater Anglia, building refurbishments for MTR Elizabeth line before its opening in 2022 and many more.
Management Systems Acceptance and Provisional Licence
On March 13th 2024, Capel received official MSA status, confirming the ability to meet the requirements for certification to trackside Management Systems Accepted status by Network Rail, a significant step to becoming an official Principal Contractor Licence (PCL) holder.
To achieve this, the construction contractors underwent a series of pre-qualification audits by NWR that looked closely at their core competencies and schemes, assessing compliance with the company’s management systems.
The audit observations included (but were not limited to) Capel’s maintenance of all relevant RISQS qualifications and Sentinel Scheme Rules, Capel’s safe system of work planning and emergency plans, competence in planning and management of construction and temporary works including specialist advice, Capel’s staff training and safety culture development, quality management, environmental practice and sustainability management, social management, employee health safety & wellbeing and more.
“We are delighted to hold the PC Licence MSA Status with Network Rail and celebrate this achievement as we look forward to obtaining a provisional Principal Contractor Licence in the nearer future,” says Paul Coomber, managing director, Capel C.S.
Network Rail Principal Contractors are contractors appointed by the client to coordinate the construction phase of a project where it involves more than one contractor, and must hold a Principal Contractor Certificate (PCC) or Principal Contractor Licence (PCL) issued by Network Rail to discharge these duties on Network Rail Managed Infrastructure.
Good Practice
Capel C.S is delighted to announce this news and recognition by Network Rail which demonstrates their approval of Capel’s alignment with NWR’s PCL scheme requirements. A significant observation of “good practice” was also highlighted and recognised by the auditor during the process of obtaining the PC Licence MSA.
During the process, Capel C.S declared to regularly update the company’s systems based on NWR’s feedback and own lessons learned, as they continue to solidify their position as high-performing contractors in line with industry’s best practice.
Capel’s annual declaration to NWR holding the PC MSA status also marks their commitment to maintaining the declared organisation and arrangements for safety management, compliance with UK Legislation and relevant Railway Group and Network Rail standards, maintenance of satisfactory performance levels and co-operating with Network Rail on several levels.
As Capel now begins actively tendering for bids for direct NWR contracts that require a PCL, we thank NWR for their time and recognition on this achievement, and we celebrate this significant milestone as we look forward to obtaining a provisional Principal Contractor Licence with NWR in the nearer future.
For more information and photos on the project, please visit our News page
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, anunrivalled 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
Capel C.S awarded works to revamp Lowestoft Rail Station Canopy for Greater Anglia
London, 20th March, 2024- Capel C.S Ltd, a leading name in the construction industry, is honoured to announce the recent contract award by Greater Anglia for refurbishment works at Lowestoft Train Station in Suffolk. The construction contractors were brought on board by long-term client and UK-leading TOC (Train-Operating-Company) after working on several projects together over the last few years across the nation’s rail network.
A New Lease of Life
Capel C.S. have been contracted by Greater Anglia to lead refurbishment works for the main canopy at Lowestoft train station, the fourth-busiest station in Suffolk that sits a few minutes’ walk away from the sea. The project aims to enhance both the structural integrity and aesthetic appeal of the canopy.
“We are honoured to have been awarded another great project by Greater Anglia for a key station on their network,” said Jon Shepherd, Contracts Manager, Capel C.S. “The Capel team is committed to delivering high-quality workmanship and completing the project to the highest standards, contributing to the station’s revitalisation and satisfaction of Greater Anglia and its passengers”.
From the initial carpentry works including the removal of existing materials and components, to the implementation of efficient drainage solutions for effective water management, and brickwork repairs,the construction contractors will undertake a comprehensive scope of works over the next few months after identifying defects and necessary repairs to the existing canopy.
Carpentry works will be carried out to address structural requirements and ensure of the canopy’s stability and durability for today’s climate, as well as see the repair of fracturing and displaced brick units, restoring the canopy’s architectural integrity.
Capel will also execute all roofing refurbishing works, replacing the existing felt roof covering and soffit boarding, installing boarding installation with EPDM roof membrane laying to ensure superior weather resistance and longevity. Substitution of the system’s downpipes with cast iron units will also be undertaken, alongside the installation of a roof access man-safe system to ensure that industry compliance and safety standards are being met.
British Heritage Preservation
Working closely with trusted contractors and the Greater Anglia project management team, Capel will preserve elements of the canopy of British heritage by the recovery and re-fixing of set aside Lowestoft station letters upon project completion, honouring the station’s historical significance.
The canopy will then see the incorporation of modern materials to enhance the canopy’s resilience and visual appeal, including GRP Dagger boards panels.
With the refurbishment works having recently commenced, the project is expected to be completed within early June. Capel C.S. brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the project, as they hold an array of station canopy completions under their portfolio for Greater Anglia.
Capel will finish all works in cohesion with Greater Anglia’s brand, preparing, priming, and applying finishing paintworks to all areas as required and give the canopy its new lease of life.
Thank you to our clients for trusting us this great project. We look forward to sharing our project completion soon.
For more information and photos on the project, please visit our News page
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, anunrivalled 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
Capel C.S to restore Burnham-on-Crouch rail station platform canopy for Greater Anglia
Burnham-on-Crouch Rail Station. Photo credit: Greater Anglia
London, 25th January, 2024- Capel C.S Ltd, a leading name in the construction industry, is pleased to announce the successful contract award by long-term client Greater Anglia for refurbishment works at Burnham-On-Crouch Railway station. The construction contractors, who have helped transform an extensive range of rail stations across the UK’s railway network, have been brought on board to renew elements of the long-term canopy at the Essex-based station and give it a new lease of life.
Original Canopy for the Present-Day Climate
From the initial surveys and removal of redundant mechanical and electrical equipment, to the full scope design and build contractor duties, Capel C.S will transform the existing life-expired canopy at Burnham-on-Crouch and lead the project in alignment with the client’s requirements. The construction contractors will work carefully to carry out repair works on structure defects, whilst preserving the original foundations, and will also supply and install both temporary and permanent lighting on the platform.
In addition to the replacement of the existing canopy roofs and expired sections, the canopy will also see a brand new supply and installation of a man-safe system for its maintenance, as well as the replacement of its existing dagger boards with maintenance-free GRP (glass-reinforced-plastic) style dagger boards to honour the original style of the canopy.
“We are pleased to be restoring the canopy at Burnham-on-Crouch to improve the facilities for station users and the appearance of the station for the local community. Investing in upgrades to stations across the network is extremely important to Greater Anglia, demonstrating our commitment to providing excellent facilities and service standards for our customers,” says Simone Bailey, Asset Management Director, Greater Anglia.
Capel will finish all works to a modern finish, repainting the station building and canopy in alignment with Greater Anglia’s brand colours and DDA requirements, working closely alongside the GA team and Capel’s trusted suppliers to complete the project circa mid-Spring in 2024.
Thank you to our clients for trusting us on another great project. We look forward to sharing our project completion update soon.
For more information and photos on the project, please visit our News page and Greater Anglia’s project page.
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