ISG completes new M&S Maidstone fit out project

ISG has recently completed the full shell fit out of a new full line M&S store in Eclipse Park, Maidstone. The store is set out over two storeys and includes a clothing and home offer, a customer café, toilet suite and a Renewal specification Foods offer.

ISG was appointed at the start of the scheme’s process in 2019, being heavily involved in the shell monitoring of the developer build process and client liaison with the developer team; prior to the building’s fit out in 2020.

Thanks to this early partnership, the shell was developed specifically to suit M&S’ requirements and an accurate coordination of all infrastructure and statutory services elements of the shell build was ensured to meet the client’s design.  Team ISG was instrumental in developing the building’s detailing; including the independent structure required to support the external signage through the glazed rainscreen cladding. 

The scheme required the complete fit out of all sales areas, along with back of house warehousing and colleague spaces, and external plant areas. Details included two dedicated lifts, a scissored escalator configuration, a CO² refrigeration system, and all other building services. ISG worked closely with Building Control to agree a compliant fire strategy; developing a smoke curtain design that enabled the compartmentation of the building to be reduced to comply with the regulations. 

The project was delivered through challenging circumstances, as the COVID-19 pandemic and associated lockdown measures came into effect immediately after the fit out commenced. ISG maintained an open site, introducing COVID-19 compliant site safety measures and market leading strategies, to ensure continued high levels of productivity throughout the lockdown, and complete safety of all contractors and employees.

With many communities around the UK suffering from the impact of COVID-19, M&S has formed partnerships with community platforms, The Neighbourly Community Trust and The National Emergencies Trust; allowing the business to support some of the country’s most vulnerable communities.

In support of the Considerate Constructers Scheme, the site team also supported local school, Palace Wood Primary, during the COVID-19 pandemic. Team ISG offered essential PPE equipment to help the school reopen efficiently, following their own challenges faced by COVID-19. With the school’s access to PPE being very limited, the team provided an array of equipment; including: COVID-19 first aid response kits, paper boiler suits, safety glasses and gloves, anti-viral cleaning equipment, hazard tape, face masks and 2m distance signage.

The project completed and successfully launched to the public in August 2020.