Alco Interiors delivered the full refurbishment of the ScS retail store at Tollgate Centre, Colchester, on behalf of A Share & Sons.
The £600k project involved a full strip-out and refurbishment of the existing retail unit, creating a refreshed and practical store environment in line with ScS’s brand, layout and operational requirements.
The works included new partitions, ceilings, flooring, lighting, decoration, joinery, kitchen installation, heating modifications, electrical upgrades, emergency lighting and roof repair works to the existing extension.
Delivered within a busy retail park setting, the project required careful planning, coordination and consideration of neighbouring retailers, customers, deliveries and nearby residential properties.
The client required a complete refurbishment of the existing ScS store to modernise the space and improve both the customer experience and day-to-day functionality for the store team.
The brief was to transform the unit into a clean, compliant and refreshed retail environment, while incorporating ScS’s layout and brand requirements.
Alongside the internal fit-out, the project also included repair and partial replacement works to the flat roof extension. This meant the internal and external works had to be carefully coordinated to avoid delays and keep the programme moving.
The location brought its own challenges. The store sits within a busy retail park, with other businesses operating nearby and residential properties close to the site. Noise, working hours, deliveries, safety and general site logistics all had to be managed properly throughout the works.
We approached the project with a clear focus on sequencing, coordination and keeping disruption to a minimum.
The programme started with the full strip-out of the existing store, allowing the team to open up the space and prepare it properly for the refurbishment works. From there, the works were planned in a logical sequence so that trades could work efficiently across the store without getting in each other’s way.
Communication was key throughout the project. We worked closely with the client, subcontractors and site stakeholders to make sure each stage of the works was coordinated and any issues were picked up early.
Particular attention was given to noisy and disruptive activities due to the surrounding retail units and nearby residential properties. These works were planned carefully around the programme to help reduce impact on the local environment.
The internal refurbishment was also coordinated alongside the roof repair works, which required clear planning between the internal and external teams. This helped maintain progress on site and reduced the risk of programme delays.
Throughout the project, the team kept a strong focus on health and safety, quality of finish and practical delivery.
The works began with site setup and a full strip-out of the existing store, including removal of redundant fixtures, finishes and elements no longer required.
Once the space was cleared, new partition walls were installed to form the revised store layout. Ceiling works, decoration, tiling, joinery and flooring followed, helping to create a cleaner and more modern retail environment.
The fit-out also included the installation of a new kitchen area, new laminate flooring and upgrades to the lighting throughout the store. Mechanical and electrical works were carried out as part of the refurbishment, including modifications to the heating system, installation of new heaters, power upgrades and emergency lighting works.
Externally, roof repair works were completed to the extension area, including partial replacement of damaged flat roof sections. These works were managed alongside the internal programme to keep the overall project on track.
Final clearance and finishing works were completed before handover, leaving the store clean, safe and ready for reopening.
The completed refurbishment gave ScS Colchester a refreshed and more functional retail space, with upgraded finishes, improved lighting, new flooring and modernised staff and customer areas.
The project was delivered in a busy retail park environment, requiring careful management of logistics, noise, safety and coordination with surrounding occupiers.
For Alco Interiors, the project demonstrated our ability to deliver a full retail refurbishment involving both internal fit-out and external repair works, while maintaining control of programme, quality and site coordination.
The finished store provided the client with a modern, practical and future-ready retail environment, ready for long-term operational use.
