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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

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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

Original Press Release Available Here

 

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

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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

Original Press Release Available Here

Case Study – Billericay Station Platform One Lift Renewal

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Client: Greater Anglia

Value: £800k

Duration on site: 22 Weeks

Capel CS tendered and were awarded a lift renewal scheme at Billericay station by train operator Greater Anglia. The scope of the works encompassed the design, removal of the existing passenger lift, supply and installation of a new Network Rail standard hydraulic passenger/goods lift within existing lift environs at Billericay Station on Platform 1.

In addition to the lift, works were identified during the design stage to upgrade the existing lift supply cable, platform & lobby lighting, lightning protection system, CCTV system, Fire alarm system, masonry repairs and damp proofing to internal and external areas of the lift motor room & lift shaft, structural repairs to the platform one access staircase and renewal of lift lobby surface finishes. The Architectural, Civils, M&E and Lift designs were developed under Network Rail Standards

During the project works were predominantly undertaken during normal day working hours behind platform hoardings with minimal disruption to the public. Hoardings consisted of a water filled barrier system with solid fencing panels and access gates where suitable. This was a proprietary system that was earth bonded and approved for use on the station.

Night & weekend working were undertaken where access was required to areas that would impact the station staff & public during normal working hours. A 52-hour possession & isolation was booked and managed for required access to works within close proximity to the OHLE. This process required engagement with Network Rail ASPRO to gain approval of our methodology and our mitigation of risks to their assets.

High level access at the rear external of the building was achieved by a designed access scaffolding. Ground sampling was undertaken at the design stage to calculate the limits of leg loading for the scaffold and scaffolding materials were transported during station closure hours so not to interfere or impede the public.

Works were planned and liaised with the station staff throughout and the project was delivered as per the programmed duration.

Lift Entrance Before

Lift Entrance Before

LMR Before

LMR After

New Lift Supply Electrical Equipment

External Render

LMR damp proofing progress pictures

Electrical Installation

Case Study – Chelmsford Station Lifts Renewal

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Client: Greater Anglia

Value: £1,150,000

Duration on site: 41 Weeks

Capel CS tendered and were awarded the lifts renewal scheme at Chelmsford station by train operator Greater Anglia. The scope of the works encompassed the design, removal of both existing passenger lifts, installation of two accessible Lift Motor Rooms, supply and installation of two new Network Rail standard hydraulic passenger/goods lifts within existing lift environs at Chelmsford Station on Platforms 1 & 2.

In addition to the lifts, works were identified during the design stage to upgrade the existing lift supply cables, platform & lobby lighting, lightning protection system, CCTV system, Fire alarm system, structural repairs to internal lift shafts and installation of an accessible lift lobby to the Old Lift Motor Room. The Architectural, Civils, M&E and Lift designs were developed under Network Rail Standards

During the project works were predominantly undertaken during normal day working hours behind platform hoardings with minimal disruption to the public. Hoardings consisted of a water filled barrier system with solid fencing panels and access gates where suitable. This was a proprietary system that was earth bonded and approved for use on the station.

Night & weekend working were undertaken where access was required to areas that would impact the station staff & public during normal working hours. A 12-hour possession & isolation was booked and managed for required access to works within close proximity to the OHLE. This process required engagement with Network Rail ASPRO to gain approval of our methodology and our mitigation of risks to their assets.

High level access to the external of the lift shafts from the ground was achieved by MEWPs to install the lightning protection and lift shaft ventilation during station closure hours so not to interfere or impede the public.

Works were planned and liaised with the station staff throughout and the project was delivered as per the programmed duration.

Lift 1 Entrance Before

Lift 1 Entrance After

LMR 1 Before

LMR 1 Completed

Lift 2 Entrance Before

Lift 2 Entrance After

Electrical Installation to Lift Motor Rooms

Lift Shaft Pit Floor

Old Lift Motor Room Access Before

Old Lift Motor Room Access After

Pre-Construction Photos

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Client: Greater Anglia

Value: £175,000

Duration on site: 7 Weeks

Capel CS Ltd were requested to complete a survey at Ipswich Station to the roof over the Ticket Office, following ongoing water ingress issues, the survey was completed in collaboration with Greater Anglia to define the scope of works. From the survey results Capel CS were able to produce a bill of quantities which enabled Greater Anglia to produce a Project Requirements Specification (PRS). The document formed part an Invitation to Tender package.

Capel CS were successful in securing this tender in late December 2024, the initial surveys were carried out early January 2025 to enable the design to be developed. The surveys included, excavating trial holes and carrying out ground sampling to accompany the Form C design for the access scaffold, architectural tactile surveys were completed to the external and internal areas, with the information being collated and developed into the Form G Design.

Due to Stakeholder commitments the works would need to be complete early April 2025, following design review and approvals, Capel mobilised and commenced on site on 24th February 2025 with the access scaffold being erected across the front of the Ticket Office, the station had to remain operational during the project, as such segregated access into the Ticket Office for passengers was incorporated into the Form C design, with further segregation behind secure fencing protecting passengers and station staff during the contract period.

The contracted works included removing the GRP walkway and Cable tray, these were set to one side ready to be reinstalled on completion of the roof works, two roof areas were completely stripped of the existing slates and felt, an existing redundant roof light had the timber upstands removed and the opening trimmed out, the existing box gutter and outlet was stripped, life expired gutters and downpipes were also removed to complete the strip out.

The remedial works to the box gutter included removing defective timber and replacing the new, a new outlet was installed and connected into the existing drainage, Code 5 lead was installed to be box gutter Inc. lead rolls.

New lead was installed to the apron flashings at the abutments of pitched roof slopes and parapets, soakers and stepped flashings, and front apron to all chimney stacks. On completion, two coats of patination oil to all newly applied leadwork was applied

All leadwork was undertaken and completed in accordance with the recommendations of the Lead Development Association and their published details.

The existing roofs were counter battened, followed by the installation of a TLX Gold Insulating Breather Membrane, roof battens were then installed and new Spanish Slates being fixed into position, Inc hip and ridge tiles.  

Works to the chimney stacks included removing defective bricks and replacing with bricks to match, re-facing spalled bricks, new haunching and pointing, and new vented cowls installed to the chimney flues.

The existing timber fascia was replaced with new and decorated to match the existing finishes, new cast iron gutters and downpipes were installed to the front façade, with Upvc gutters and downpipes installed to non-public areas.

Further remedial works were completed to the adjacent roof, where broken and slipped slates were replaced with new to match existing, on completion the GRP walkway was reinstalled along with the cable tray. 

Internally, the loft spaces received new mineral insulation to make the spaces compliant with current building regulations, defective plaster was removed and the areas made good with new plaster finishes to match existing, the walls received new decoration to match the existing and the water damaged ceiling tiles were replaced with new to match the existing.

The works were completed and handed back to Greater Anglia on the 8th April 2025 on programme and within the contracted budget.

Pre-Construction Photos

 

 

 

Progress Photos

 

 

 

 

New Leadwork

  

 

 

 

Completion Photos

 

 

 

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