All posts by Neil Fordyce

Sleek extension complements historic gem

We were extremely pleased to be given the opportunity by hotel owners, 1218 Investment Management GmbH, to return to the Scottish Borders to construct a modern extension to their highly decorative 19th century hotel, the upgrade of which we had previously completed. Designed as a contrast to the Jacobean-style original, the 3-storey steel-framed extension is clad in a combination of stone, render, powder-coated curtain walling and zinc panelling and its sleek modern aesthetic provides a perfect complement to the ornate B listed building.

An additional 58 new bedrooms and suites have been created, together with a large conference/events space for 120, with adjoining restaurant and bar. The fully-glazed ground floor elevation, which affords views into the state-of-the-art spa and wellness centre, is transected by a spectacular indoor/outdoor swimming pool – a remarkable and rare feature in a rural Scottish location.

The site’s remote location posed a number of logistics challenges, but the experience gained on the main building upgrade enabled our team to anticipate where issues might arise and to put in place the necessary measures to mitigate these. We take great pleasure in having successfully delivered two high-quality projects in the same location but featuring very contrasting styles. The success of this development demonstrates both the diversity of our project portfolio and the range of skills and experience enjoyed by our delivery teams.

Travellers’ revitalisation journey complete

The project, our first completed as part of the Crown Commercial Services Framework, involved a comprehensive regeneration of the Council-run site for the travelling community at North Cairntow in Edinburgh. Works involved the wholesale removal and replacement of all existing accommodation and an all-embracing upgrade of utility services, roads and landscaping, including the introduction of a sustainable pond drainage system.

Working within a restricted site with a single access point, our team required to deal with a variety of logistics challenges. These included ensuring the minimisation of disruption to local traffic during the renewal of all major incoming utility supplies and managing the complex installation process for 22 accommodation units prefabricated off-site and delivered in phases under escort.

This CCS Framework project owes much to the way in which all members of the team, working closely with The City of Edinburgh Council, required to quickly adapt to deal with exceptional conditions. The striking completed regeneration and the consequent improvement of experience for the occupants of the site is testament to the success of that approach.

Sharkey fronts up student residences renewal

Sharkey is delighted to acknowledge our appointment by Curlew Capital to undertake the comprehensive repair and upgrade project at their Potterrow student housing development, located at the heart of the University of Edinburgh’s main campus. Works will involve the wholesale renewal of the 7-storey building’s defective natural stone façade, together with an extensive refurbishment of the 151 studio apartments and support accommodation.

The 45-week project also includes a significant energy efficiency initiative, which will include major M&E plant replacement and the installation of a photovoltaic panel system. The diverse nature of this project serves to underline the broad range of services we offer and reflects the the increasing number of our projects involving major construction works.

Sharkey selected to transform Glasgow landmark

Sharkey has beaten off stiff competition to secure the contract for the comprehensive refit and refurbishment of a heritage Glasgow office block, constructed in 1892. The eight-storey building, fronted in classically detailed red sandstone, will undergo an extensive internal transformation that will involve major structural interventions. These will include the formation of a stunning central atrium and the redevelopment of the two upper floors to create additional office floorspace and complementary external landscaped terraces.

The 100,000 sqft project will also see the wholesale replacement of M&E services, the creation of energy efficient Grade A office space and the formation of a business hub and café at street level. Sharkey look forward to working with a talented design team in restoring one of Glasgow’s key urban assets and to continuing to enhance our reputation for delivering transformational office workspace.

Sharkey enables view of the future for Scotland’s leading lawyers

Sharkey is delighted to have successfully delivered another innovative office fit-out that further pushes the boundaries of new ways of working. In partnership with an enlightened client and a talented design team, we are proud to have contributed to creating a flexible, stimulating workspace that enjoys spectacular views of the city and one that places the emphasis firmly on the health and wellbeing of all its staff and clients alike.

The 43,000 sqft project was completed on budget, despite the recent challenges faced by the construction sector. The office, which occupies the top three floors of the Capital Square complex, officially opening for business in January 2022, drawing praise from our client, who expressed their delight with the finished result. Consistently delivering next generation projects to the highest quality, serves to reinforce Sharkey’s reputation in this specialist field and underscores our position at the vanguard of innovative workplace delivery.