Garden centre chain Squires has appointed Vale Southern Construction to improve the sustainability credentials of its Twickenham site.
The £1m contract will see the main contractor upgrade the roof, install photovoltaic (PV) panels and deliver a mechanical and electric (M&E) package to improve energy efficiency.
Scheduled to be on site for 20 weeks, Vale Southern will deliver all the works while the garden centre remains open to the public.
The existing roof covering, which has reached the end of its serviceable life, will be replaced with a new insulated composite metal panel system. A total of 140 PV panels will be installed over the top. Inside the property, Vale Southern will install highly efficient LED lighting along with reverse cycle units which can produce both heat and cold air further improving energy efficiency.
Oliver West, Managing Director of Vale Southern, said: “This is a significant upgrade that will create a high-performance roof with effective insulation and a PV array designed to significantly reduce the garden centre’s reliance on the grid.
“A fundamental requirement throughout the project is to minimise potential disruption for customers and staff. With extensive experience of working in occupied buildings, we have developed a comprehensive plan for Squires detailing how we will achieve this aim. Regular communication with the centre’s key stakeholders combined with stringent site management will be key to the project’s success.”
Celebrating its 60th anniversary this year, Squires Garden Centre Twickenham was one of the first to be opened by the family business. As well as offering an extensive range of gardening products, plants and furniture, the centre comprises a café, shop, and pets and aquatics department.
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