RETAIL GROWTH HAS PROGRESSIVELY STRENGTHENED OVER THE LAST TWO YEARS, BUT NEW BUILD PROJECTS WILL REMAIN IN SHORT SUPPLY DURING 2016.
Glenigan reports that post-credit crunch, the major supermarkets were the principal source of investment in new retail property. Whilst the flow of new shopping centre schemes all but evaporated during 2009 and 2010, the supermarkets expanded their development programmes.
This year has seen a slowdown in new build activity, however, in large part due to the top four supermarket chains scaling back their investment programmes and redirecting funding towards the convenience store market, which more often entails conversion of existing high street premises. Other high street retailers are also focusing on store re-modelling, driven by high levels of competition and efforts to accommodate click and collect services.
Encouragingly, the improved economic outlook has seen some town centre regeneration schemes being brought back into development. These projects are already beginning to provide some additional activity and their impact on overall workloads will build during 2016.
David Bigland, managing director at Moduleo UK and Eire, acknowledges that the internet has had a huge impact on the retail sector in recent years, with more and more companies opting for experience stores and creating a pleasant environment for their customers than ever before.
“With this in mind, we have worked with a number of our retail clients on creating innovative spaces for their customers,” he explains. “For some, we have provided a blank canvas for them to go on to develop the space, while with others we have worked on a more bespoke design to create a real focal point within the store.
“Zoning is key in retail, and the fact that we have a portfolio of brands and a catalogue of products to suit just about any environment, has been imperative in selling our products to retail designers and specifiers.
“Zoning is also key for stores which need to encompass various concessions, such as a department store displaying a wide variety of brands, or a supermarket featuring a butchers, deli, and bakery etc. alongside the main grocery department.
“The selection of designs we have available is practically limitless as designers are becoming increasingly imaginative with the looks and effects that they create. This means that LVT can be equally as effective in a modern, minimalist clothing store as it can in a rustic furniture outlet, or even a large supermarket.
“The right flooring has the capability to create a certain mood and atmosphere within a retail environment. Meaning, flooring has the power to speed a customer up or slow them down subconsciously if there is a specific part of the store that the designer wishes to focus on. With this in mind, flooring can be integral to making a sale or showcasing a hero product in the best possible light.”
Cladding can contribute to employer branding and workplace productivity. Many building owners want high-end fit-outs to attract top calibre tenants. In turn, employers benefit by being housed in impressive workspaces that contribute to attracting the best talent.
A defining trait of employer branding is creating a space that projects a company’s brand identity and ethos; typically via brand colours and working environments that support occupant comfort. The ultimate aim being to deliver a friendly and attractive workplace that increases productivity.
"Holistic design and layout are tangible factors that contribute to impressing both client and potential employees," says Simon Wild, European Category Marketing Manager at Formica Group. "Although focusing on internal workspaces is essential, it is important not to neglect outdoor spaces since building exteriors create first impressions, while courtyards and break areas can impact on employee wellbeing.
"Instances where an employer can brief towards the exterior of their building presents the opportunity to deliver further employer branding. One company that has taken employer branding outside is the ING in Madrid. Here an oasis of calm was created in an enclosed conservatory garden, complete with bespoke cladding featuring patterns reflecting ING brand colours.
"SP Architecture Engineering were responsible for transforming ING’s weathered courtyard garden into a stylish space for staff and visitors. The 15m2 covered area showed weathering due to insufficient ventilation, resulting from the moisture caused by the pond and plants. Furthermore, excess humidity and inefficient ventilation caused condensation on the steel structure and polycarbonate sheets of the ceiling. With nowhere for excess water to escape, this caused oxidation of the structure, also causing premature ageing of the brick façade.
"To tackle the problem, the truss structure was replaced, a moisture detector added, and large plywood beams were used to cover the photovoltaic glass panels.
The façade surrounding the garden interior was replaced with 500m of 8mm thick panels in Porcelana."
VIVIX by Formica Group was specified for the façade due to its rainscreen properties, ability to limit excessive moisture and ease of maintenance. Selected façade panels featured a perforated pattern containing Clementine from the Formica Collection; thereby accentuating employer brand through the incorporation of ING brand colours.
Cladding systems featuring a combination of materials not only accentuate architectural design, but can also complement the overall building look and employer brand. Additionally, exterior cladding solutions that use external insulation reduce loss of internal floor space, and minimise disruption to occupants during refurbishment.
Refurbishment can take many forms and Washroom Washroom has played a key role in upgrading the washrooms at a busy shopping centre in Northampton.
The Weston Favell shopping centre attracts thousands of visitors each week. Originally built in the 1970s, the centre was in need of a full refurbishment and HFM Architects took on the project, giving the centre a vibrant new look with new brand style and signage throughout.
Working closely with both HFM Architects and main contractor Base Build Services, Washroom delivered a modern washroom area, including disabled toilets and baby change facilities, all designed to match the new bright and contemporary centre.
Key to the success of the washroom design is the installation of the new Alavo integrated consumable unit from Dolphin Dispensers which features subtle colour changing LEDs as well as concealed soap and hand dryers. Combined with bespoke sloping Corian troughs, the Alavo system adds to the high specification finish yet will withstand the rigours of a high traffic environment and significantly reduces the client’s cleaning burden, making it ideal for a busy shopping centre.
Washroom installed its Senza cubicles in solid grade laminate (SGL) finished with an attractive walnut veneer to complement the contemporary style. Designed to create an attractive floating appearance, the Senza cubicle’s stainless steel faceplate complements the linear profiles while the SGL is extra durable, making it the ideal choice for a busy shopping centre environment.
Also in SGL with matching walnut veneer finish, Washroom’s Concerto integrated duct panel system was installed to fit underneath the vanities and behind the WCs and urinals. The duct panel system is designed to allow ease of access for future maintenance and repair and is also easy to clean.
