FDS was awarded the principal contracting role for the early enabling works package on a large change of use scheme in the West End. The site was comprised of five contiguous terraced buildings of varying age, heritage value and construction which were being combined to form a ‘pod-hotel’ with over 700 beds.
Despite the full scheme necessitating the demolition of most of the buildings, an earlier package of strip out, surveys and discovery was necessary to finalise details for planning permission. FDS therefore were instructed to carry out these works along with a series of detailed structural investigations, ranging from 40m deep borehole surveys to steel strength testing.
Throughout the work, ground floor and basement of the central building of the site remained live as an operational theatre. This meant that there were various routine access and noise restrictions. Thus, waste collections had to be arranged around the propensity for queues to form for the theatre due to a singular access point.
Later in the project, planning permission got delayed for various reasons. As such, rather than the theatre operation vacate for good, the Client negotiated a brief cessation of their activity and instructed FDS to conduct further investigation works into the structural elements of this space. This generated a making good burden, suitable for live commercial use for the theatre on a renewed lease. The result was a total of five weeks of theatre shutdown, a large logistical effort to move them out and back in, protection of high value assets and the preparation of thorough structural reports.
The main triumph of this project from a sustainability perspective lay in the ability to preserve many features of the original buildings in the subsequent design. Obviously, the credit for this does not lie with FDS, but we would like to think we played a pivotal and invested role in the discovery that led to the final scheme.
Quite often, exploratory or investigation works are a headache for enabling contractors. In many ways, on this project they were the focus, simply due to their vast number. Truly understanding the design intent behind the schedule of works was critical when faced with various obstacles to completing the originally specified set. In many instances, locations and approaches had to be changed to suit site conditions or constraints; communication and understanding meant that these changes were kept the overall mission on task.
If you would like to find out how First Demolition can help you please send an enquiry via the form below.
Address: 64 Knightsbridge, London SW1X 7JF
Telephone: +44 (0) 20 8088 2539
Email: operations@firstdemolition.co.uk
We’re probably better defined by what we don’t cover — yet. That would be nuclear, rail and marine, where we don’t currently have the depth of experience required to properly guide a project. Across all other sectors, we bring extensive experience and a proven track record.
Yes. A significant portion of our work takes place in live environments — from partially occupied office buildings, to schools, hotels and museums. Each setting brings its own considerations. Over time, we’ve developed practical approaches to minimise disruption, maintain safety, and manage the impact of our works on surrounding areas and stakeholders.
We take a proactive approach from the outset. During tender stage, we flag potential risks based on experience and precedent, and where possible, recommend exploratory works to reduce uncertainty before the project begins. Where this isn’t feasible, we provide guidance on likely impacts — allowing clients to plan for time and cost contingencies with greater confidence. We operate transparently and with a strong understanding of contractual obligations, ensuring a fair and considered approach throughout.
We see our role as more than delivery. We work closely with clients and consultant teams to navigate challenges as they arise. This can include supporting early-stage planning, contributing to feasibility exercises, or helping shape the approach before works begin. We’re also well connected, and are always happy to introduce trusted partners where additional expertise is needed.
We operate an integrated management system certified by BSI to ISO 45001 and ISO 9001 standards. Beyond compliance, we focus on how standards are applied in practice — from highly trained teams to clear, visual methods on site. We’ve also developed our own tools and initiatives to improve communication, reporting and environmental performance across our projects.
Today — because the earlier we’re involved, the more we can influence the outcome.
