Just months after HBPW prepared the ground for electronic retail giant, Maplin, to move into a brand new unit in Essex, engineers are back on site helping restaurant chain Nando’s to fill those shoes vacated by the now defunct retailer.
The 200-store electronics outlet closed its last branch after collapsing into administration when talks with buyers failed to secure a sale. They employed 2,300 staff.
“London based Ravenside Investments Ltd own Goodmayes Retail Park on High Road, Chadwell Heath in Romford,” said Senior Engineer Shaun Strugnell. “However, it was Faircloth Construction that originally called us in and asked us to lead on the engineering as part of their two-unit retail development.”
The work had barely finished and Maplin taken up residency in their new home, than the chain’s head office announced it was in difficulty. Soon after it went under.
“Before we knew it Maplin’s demise was all over the news with Ravenside on the lookout for a new tenant. It didn’t take long for Nando’s to step into the breach and take a lease on the unit adjacent to Costa Coffee. As one door closes another opens and it makes perfect sense for two complementary food brands to soon be side by side on this prime retail site.”
HBPW is now altering the former Maplin unit in readiness for Nando’s soon-to-be-opened outlet.
“Obviously the restaurant chain has a different set of needs and we are working with Faircloth to provide additional drainage to support Nando’s extended sanitation requirement including toilets and kitchen sinks. There is also need for air extraction units in the food preparation area and we are providing the necessary ventilation ducts to support this need,” added Shaun.