Overview

CBRE appointed BJF Group to carry out refurbishment works at British Gas Training Centres in Thatcham and Dartford, in order to improve the quality of the toilet facilities for staff and trainees. The project involved a full strip-out and upgrade, bringing the spaces up to a modern, high-spec standard while keeping the centres operational.

At a glance

  • Full refurbishment of toilet facilities at British Gas Training Centres in Thatcham and Dartford.
  • Works phased to allow the training centres to remain operational.
  • Delivered on schedule despite supply challenges.

Client and Scope

CBRE, managing the facilities, awarded BJF Group the contract through a competitive tender. BJF was chosen based on its experience in delivering high-quality refurbishment projects and its ability to manage work without disruption.

The project involved a full strip-out and upgrade of the toilet facilities, with key changes made along the way to accommodate site-specific constraints.

Work included:

  • Removal of all existing sanitaryware, cubicles, flooring, and finishes.
  • Installation of new toilets, sinks, cubicles, and upgraded wall and floor finishes.
  • Minor electrical works to support the refurbishment.
  • Regular site inspections to ensure quality and progress.

Project Goals

  • Deliver modern, high-quality toilet facilities for British Gas trainees and staff.
  • Keep the training centres operational by carefully phasing the works.
  • Adapt to specification changes and material availability to stay on schedule.

Execution & Results

At Thatcham, the refurbishment was subcontracted to a trusted delivery partner, with BJFGroup’s site team overseeing progress. At Dartford, the work was delivered in-house, led by an experienced project team.

The biggest challenge was working in a live environment, requiring a structured approach to keep some facilities available at all times. The project was split into two phases, beginning with smaller DDA toilets before moving on to the larger male and female facilities.

A key issue arose when the specified wall tiles were unavailable. BJF Group responded by sourcing a suitable alternative and adjusting the programme to speed up other works in the meantime. Weekly walkarounds with CBRE ensured expectations were met throughout.

The project successfully delivered refurbished, high-quality toilet facilities, improving the environment for staff and trainees. Despite supply chain issues and last-minute specification changes, the works were completed on time, and CBRE were very happy with the final result.

Summary

BJF Group successfully delivered toilet refurbishments on two British Gas Training Centres, managing challenges without impacting timelines.

A flexible and proactive approach, combined with collaboration with CBRE, ensured smooth delivery of modern, high-spec facilities that will serve the training centres for years to come.