FDS were awarded the strip out and structural modification package to a 180 bedroom hotel in Covent Garden, Central London.
Works included the full strip out of 7 floors of bedrooms, bathrooms and corridors and 5 floors of FOH/BOH suites, restaurants and leisure space. Diamond cutting techniques were used to create penetrations for new risers and rooflights. Some 2000 metric tonnes of material were removed from the building through its ground floor curtain wall into a sealed port-cochure where skips and plant were located to process the waste streams. Elsewhere, FDS undertook structural infills, strengthening works for new feature staircases and level changes within the taxi bay.
With no obvious means to distribute materials vertically within the building, FDS re-purposed an existing riser as a drop zone, via creation of additional soft spots through the mezzanine and first floors, as well as a scaffold ramp and exclusion zone at ground floor level. The ground floor was then subdivided with hoarding to create different routes and storage areas for different materials. Waste was then transported by skid-steer to the port-cochure where an 8T excavator was able to load 40 yard skips either side.
FDS was able to repurpose the framing for the curtain walling in collaboration with a façade contractor. We also extracted around 5000 granite setts from the taxi bay, sent them to a reclamation yard for cleaning and sold down to private individuals for use in residential landscaping.
In full disclosure, this project was a real rubber stamp of approval for FDS and its position in the London demolition and strip out market. We were awarded this in January 2018, with the majority of the work occurring over the first 5-6 months of that year. Over the course of the project, FDS developed many new capabilities; operational, commercial, interpersonal and many more. It also laid foundations for relationships that remain active to this date.
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.
