Willmott Dixon appointed main contractor on Reid Architecture-designed refurbishment
Marks & Spencer aims to create its much-anticipated first “eco store” in Bournemouth as part of a £200m plan to become carbon neutral by 2012.
Willmott Dixon has been appointed main contractor on the refurbishment, which will be designed by Reid Architecture. Initial works have already started.
The Bournemouth project is the first of a pilot involving four stores that M&S plans to roll out. Project teams have not yet been selected for the other three.
A spokesperson for the retailer said: “The store will be completely redesigned and remodelled according to the latest store remodel specification, and will additionally incorporate a host of features that will reduce the carbon footprint of the store and improve energy efficiency.”
She added that all the companies would work in a greener way, for example by operating a “green travel plan” for construction traffic and by ensuring that waste materials were sent to landfill only as a last resort.
Features of the M&S eco store include more efficient lighting systems, including daylight sensors in display windows. Attention will also be focused on refrigeration, which is an energy-intensive process, including the piloting of a system in which carbon dioxide is the main refrigerant. CO2 has lower carbon emissions than HFC, which is usually used.
All surplus materials, including flooring, will be recycled. M&S will use BREEAM
A-rated materials with low or non-hazardous contents and low energy processes where possible.
Consultant Gleeds has taken on a contract providing facilities management services to M&S’ 25 outlet stores in the UK. Gleeds will run a 24 hour helpdesk as part of its role.
