News

Working on live construction sites demands a fine balance between meeting project objectives and maintaining the safety, convenience, and comfort of the occupants and surrounding community. At Conamar, with over four decades of experience, we specialise in transforming visions into reality—even in the most complex live environments. From educational institutions to bustling retail spaces, we … Continue reading “The Essential Guide to Working on Live Construction Sites”

As we celebrate National Apprenticeship Week, it’s a moment to shine a spotlight on the achievements and progress of our apprentices who are shaping their futures within the construction industry. One standout story is that of Sam, who embarked on his apprenticeship journey with Conamar as a Quantity Surveyor in June 2023.   Sam’s interest in … Continue reading “Celebrating Success During National Apprenticeship Week: Sam’s Journey at Conamar”

Even simple construction projects often involve a lot of planning and development. More complex projects, like commercial projects, can require enormous planning and may have large-scale investment at stake. Construction takes place in many different phases too, meaning that the work never stops. For these reasons and many more, good project coordination skills are essential. … Continue reading “The Benefits Of Hiring An Experienced Construction Contractor”

One of the more challenging aspects behind our work would be completing both extensions and refurbishments for surgery premises, especially since they cater to people seeking medical attention. We therefore take pride in our workmanship as we deliver the results people are looking for without causing too much disruption over the crucial tasks which are … Continue reading “Surgery Extensions and New Builds”

Here at Conamar, we love creating brand new spaces for both work and recreational purposes. Our mission is to help develop local communities further, and the fact we’re a family oriented construction firm ensures we deliver customer-centric workmanship throughout. Below are some examples of leisure centres and gym fit outs we have completed.  Saxon Pool, … Continue reading “Leisure Centre and Gym Fit Outs”

There are many office refurbishment companies who have helped businesses return to conventional environments. It’s not hard to see why, since despite the comfort provided by home working, this can’t replicate the same atmosphere you get in communal spaces. Are you looking to get office refurbishments completed? Then take a look at some of our … Continue reading “Office Refurbishments & Fit Outs”

Over the years, we have formulated a proficient level of service for retail refurbishments, helping major brands establish themselves among the masses. Our quick-turn around and steep knowledge for this type of work has seen the Conamar team develop a broad portfolio across a number of different industries. Below are some of the projects we … Continue reading “Retail Refurbishments”

Conamar has secured the contract for a major new arts and rehearsal building for Garsington Opera,  based at Wormsley, a beautiful family Estate, in rural Buckinghamshire.  The £11m building is now undergoing the next stage of design development and procurement of key sub-contractors, with works due to commence on site in June.  The Arts and Performance venue is … Continue reading “Conamar Tune up for Garsington Opera”

Our Senior Management Team are committed to following the official UK government advice and will continue to issue updates to all staff and sites in a prompt manner. Daily briefings and regular Tool Box Talks are being carried out, keeping all operatives on site informed. How our procedures have changed in light of the pandemic … Continue reading “COVID-19 Management”

Conamar is very experienced in Design and Build schemes. Our project process map builds on the RIBA Plan, organising projects into key stages separated by “checkpoints”. These enable the efficient standardised flow of information throughout, focusing on early collaboration between stakeholders. Typically, for D&B schemes we get involved at Stage-2/3, enabling greater influence over design. … Continue reading “The Design and Build Process”

Formed in 1982 our business has grown from strength to strength. 30 years on, the company achieves a c.£40m turnover, but has kept our reputation for impeccable quality, hands on leadership and a client-focused approach in all of our projects. Typically, we work on projects from £200k to £8million in value, although we also deliver … Continue reading “Interview with: Neil Dower – Managing Director”

At Conamar, our ethos reads “Defining the Past, Building for the Future” and never has it been more important than within the discussion of building sustainability. It’s true that this ethos can reference structural integrity, aesthetic design, community build projects, and even the technology we use on construction projects; however, it is in forward-thinking and … Continue reading “Is Your Building Design Sustainable?”

These last few months have entirely transformed the world, not least the workplace. As lockdown restrictions in the UK begin to relax and businesses slowly begin to return to work, the most important question becomes: how can offices and workplaces ensure a safe working environment for employees and customers? Here are some of the challenges … Continue reading “How can you reopen your business and workplace safely?”

If you’re building is close to full occupancy and space is tight to continue to operate your business or service, then you’re probably thinking about converting an unused area of your building and dramatically changing its purpose. But before you go ahead with starting the building project and construction, make sure you don’t commit these … Continue reading “Four Common Mistakes When Converting A Building”

Traditionally, when preparing to undertake a construction project the process involves employing an architect to prepare all the tender documents and drawings. You would then send these out to several contractors to receive quotes for the work, and more than likely pick the company which balances cost, time and quality most effectively. At this stage … Continue reading “Tendering: Does it give you value for money?”

At the end of last year, the Chinese government announced a crackdown on overseas investment, with measures introduced to limit capital outflows in an attempt to protect the value of the country’s currency. Given that Chinese companies had been behind some of the biggest City of London office investments in the second half of last … Continue reading “Curbs on Chinese investment tighten”

It’s been a long time coming, but the Government Property Unit’s Government Hubs programme, which aims to consolidate staff from multiple departments into larger, modern offices in a bid to cut costs and increase efficiency, is at last producing the goods. In mid-August, it was announced that the GPU had signed up for 24,710 sq … Continue reading “The Government Property Unit takes off”

Having initially shrugged off the uncertainties provided by the result of the EU referendum last year, the housing market had a wobble over the summer. The Halifax house price index showed that overall prices fell by 1% in June in the biggest monthly dip since January. That report was followed in short order by the … Continue reading “Further housing market speculation”

In August, it emerged that flexible office giant Regus had acquired rival Basepoint Business Centres for around £100m. The deal was significant in and of itself – Regus was seeking to consolidate its dominant position in the market and at a stroke added about 1m sq ft to its portfolio – but it was also … Continue reading “Flexible workspace vs traditional office – the debate continues”

It has been well documented that there is a huge amount of residential and commercial space required to meet London’s future needs. The debate around London’s density can be largely categorised into two key questions: how do we accommodate more homes and workspaces, given the unprecedented population and employment growth? And how should we deliver … Continue reading “The density debate: how should London grow?”

The industry is undergoing a huge revolution. With 2017 unofficially labelled ‘The Year of Proptech’, there are three areas that have already witnessed significant progress – both in terms of existing processes and final results. With automation and integration transforming the construction industry, a wave of recent proptech initiatives is overhauling the way large-scale projects … Continue reading “Proptech and how it’s shaping the construction industry”

According to Knight Frank’s M25 Report, key urban regeneration and infrastructure developments continue to be a trigger for driving talent out of London and across the wider South East of England. In the report, published earlier this year, Ealing, Maidenhead, Reading, Croydon and Cambridge were just some of the zones namechecked as most likely to … Continue reading “Driving talent to the South: a review of Knight Frank’s ‘M25 Report’”

When the proposed Lower Thames Crossing was announced, it generated an unprecedented reaction – both from the property industry and the local community alike. Planned to intersect the Thames Estuary between Gravesend and Tilbury, the new road will be the first to connect both sides of the river in 25 years and has been hailed … Continue reading “The Lower Thames Crossing decision”

A few days ago Theresa May marked a year in office. Maybe it feels like longer, with a snap election, surprise result and long-discussed deal with the DUP. But with the contents of the Queen’s Speech passing through parliament – albeit with a slim majority but a welcome pledge to bring forward a new bill … Continue reading “Brexit and beyond”

Although the Spring Budget failed to be headline-grabbing, it did outline a number of measures that will have welcome knock-on effects with several provisions set to encourage and enable local construction and development across the UK. With a combined £536m investment package promised for free schools, grammar schools and existing local authority schools, the Budget’s … Continue reading “The Spring Budget”

The message at this year’s MIPIM was all about growth – whether it be through welcoming new players and industry game changers, harnessing new forms of collaboration or reinventing business models. This year’s big themes were: Land of opportunity. With over 70 large-scale projects from 23 countries announced over the course of this year’s MIPIM, … Continue reading “MIPIM 2017 – a new deal for real estate”

In February, Toshiba announced that it will not be “carrying out actual construction work” on its proposed £106bn Moorside nuclear power plant in Cumbria, although it still plans to be involved, after the company admitted it was writing off losses of $6bn following huge cost over-runs on two of its atomic plants in the US. … Continue reading “Are the UK’s nuclear energy ambitions unrealistic?”

In January, it was announced that 14 Garden Villages will be built in England, delivering 48,000 new homes. The identified sites, spanning from Cornwall to Cumbria, have received local opposition in many areas, despite the Government arguing that if delivered properly, Garden Villages can genuinely help tackle the housing crisis. The vision is for the … Continue reading “Garden Villages: hype or homes?”

The Housing White Paper covered a lot of ground, but its focus on offsite and modern methods of construction was of particular interest – especially as this is currently such a ‘hot topic’ in the property industry. The paper cited offsite construction as being the key to tackling the housing shortage; in the report, Secretary … Continue reading “An SME’s perspective on the Housing White Paper”

The Northern Powerhouse is certainly pumping, but equally keeping up the pace is the Midlands Engine, which shifted up a gear in November as Highways England announced progress on several major transport and infrastructure schemes in the region. The plans, unveiled at a Highways UK event in Birmingham, include a £644m road improvements package to … Continue reading “Midlands Engine picks up speed creating serious rival to Northern Powerhouse”

Next month President-Elect Donald Trump will become the 45th President of the USA, occupying one of the most powerful political offices in the world. After a contentious election race, those working in the UK construction industry have found themselves wondering: What does Trump’s victory mean for us? Among other things, climate change, global markets and … Continue reading “What does ‘President Trump’ mean for the UK construction industry?”

The Brexit debate takes a new turn every week. In November the Supreme Court ruled that MPs had to be consulted via a parliamentary vote before the government could trigger Article 50 and begin formal negotiations, currently planned for March. With the dust settling on Brexit, the realisation of what it means for the construction … Continue reading “The dust has settled on Brexit, but the jury is still out”

Mark Farmer’s hard-hitting review of the construction industry received mixed responses from the construction sector, perhaps because it made sobering reading. Top of the agenda was Farmer’s challenge to the industry and the government to reform construction so it’s fit to meet the infrastructure challenges ahead, namely HS2 and another Heathrow runway. Addressing the skills … Continue reading “Modernise or die: a harsh but necessary message?”

As many commentators have quipped, the biggest thing to come out of last month’s Autumn Statement was the revelation that there will no longer be an Autumn Statement. Flippancy aside, the announcement itself was fairly low key. Confirmation of higher borrowing and lower growth were the headlines, as expected, but the driving message throughout the … Continue reading “An “understated but encouraging” Autumn Statement”

London and Rio de Janeiro, like many of the Olympic Games gone before, have something in common: they both promised their people a legacy. At the time of selection, Brazil was set to become one of the world’s largest economies. Although in the interim it has been affected by economic shocks, presidential concerns and healthcare … Continue reading “The Rio Olympics and the legacy of London”

Big infrastructure has been under scrutiny recently. In September, the National Infrastructure Commission (NIC) was cut from the Planning Bill; NIC Commissioner Sir John Armitt has said that the government does not believe the NIC requires a statutory footing, but critics have questioned the Bill’s revision. Given that the commission was set up to encourage … Continue reading “Infrastructure investment delays”

In August the Bank of England, partly to help mitigate impact to the economy after the Brexit vote, decided to cut interest rates from 0.5% to 0.25%. Although it only marks a 0.25% change, the decision to slash the rate, which had remained fixed since 2009, is historic. The move was celebrated by some in … Continue reading “Interest rates hit 30-year low”

The mega-merger is back in the air. From the high profile Marriott Hotels’ proposed takeover of Starwood – awaiting approval by the Chinese government before moving any further forward – to the more down to earth world of industrial gases, where German firm Linde and its American rival Praxair joining forces is set to create … Continue reading “The rise – and fallout – of mega mergers”

Clearly the biggest story since our last newsletter is the EU referendum result; its implications for the UK generally, and our sector in particular, must be the lead story of any Need to Know section. While the full impact of Brexit is as yet unknown, it’s worth considering how things have changed already and how … Continue reading “Brexit – and its implications”

Building and refurbishment specialist Conamar has been appointed to construct the new pavilion building planned for the historic Herne Hill Velodrome in South East London. Working with Hopkins Architects – the team behind 2012 Olympic Velodrome – and other members of the project team for the Herne Hill Velodrome Trust, Conamar will construct the £1.5 … Continue reading “Conamar Appointed for Herne Hill Velodrome Revamp”

Steel is a unique and vital material; touching almost every part of modern life; it is key to our overall infrastructure and is an essential part of our society. Most obviously, steel is in high-demand by the construction and building industry, but with almost half of the 1.6 billion tonnes of steel produced globally each … Continue reading “The future of British steel”

The Midlands Engine for Growth, lesser-known cousin of the much-heralded Northern Powerhouse, was launched by Business Secretary Sajid Javid in December last year. Devolution deals, coupled with large public investment, are designed to give areas such as the East and West Midlands the potential to be catalysts for major development. And such plans could help … Continue reading “Can the Midlands Engine match up to the Northern Powerhouse?”

It’s easy to understand why a retailer would move into online trading – most already have. But when pure play e-tailers start opening stores on the high street, it seems counterintuitive, especially in today’s internet culture where everything can be accessed and bought at the click of a mouse. Evolving to keep up with retail’s … Continue reading “From clicks to bricks: the new retail landscape”

Work on The Stage, a new mixed-use tower located in Shoreditch, is pressing ahead. Back in 2011, archaeologists were undertaking exploratory excavation for The Stage when they came across the remnants of the playwright’s less famous theatre – just three metres below ground level. It’s thought to be one of the UK’s best preserved examples … Continue reading “The Stage: a building in focus”

After eight years of Boris Johnson occupying the top seat in London’s City Hall, and many Evening Standard front pages, the electoral landscape was altered overnight in May’s local election as Sadiq Khan reclaimed a Labour majority in the capital. Enjoying a 13.6% margin of victory over his nearest rival, Conservative Zac Goldsmith, the new … Continue reading “May elections and the outcome for construction”

Building and refurbishment specialist Conamar has completed a £1.8 million refurbishment at the Energy Institute (EI) on New Cavendish Street, London W1, transforming the 1,264 sq m (13,606 sq ft), five storey, Grade II* listed building with a 1950s extension into modern headquarters for the organisation. After a 999-year lease was signed during the late … Continue reading “Conamar Completes Sustainable Refurb Of Grade II* Listed Energy Institute”

On 23 June, Britons will take to the polls to vote on the country’s membership of the European Union. After the referendum date was announced in February, many began declaring their backing of either the “remain” or “leave” campaign; 197 businesses, including contractors Carillion and Mace, have signed an open letter to The Times supporting … Continue reading “Brexit debate takes hold”

Savills has recently named London as the world’s most expensive city in which to live and work. The firm calculated total housing and office rental costs, and found that accommodating the average Londoner costs £80,700 a year – 18% more expensive than it was in 2011. With alarming statistics like these, it’s no wonder companies … Continue reading “Occupier headquarters decisions affecting regional locations”

Highways England is proposing a new crossing of the Thames estuary, linking Kent and Essex east of the Dartford Crossing. The proposals aim to reduce congestion at the existing crossing and will support growth plans in surrounding areas, including new homes and jobs. The additional crossing is part of a wider £2.2 billion investment programme … Continue reading “Lower Thames Crossing and the Garden Bridge take shape”

In a latest bid to reform the sector and power economic growth, Housing and Planning Minister Brandon Lewis and Skills Minister Nick Boles, on behalf of the UK government, have commissioned a major review of the construction labour market. The Construction Industry Labour Model Study will look at both the traditional barriers to upskilling the … Continue reading “Government skills review launches”

At COP21, the UN conference held in Paris in December, a historic deal was struck that united 195 nations in a single agreement – each vowed to play a part in seriously tackling climate change and cutting greenhouse gas emissions. Among the deal’s key elements is the target to limit the rise in global temperatures … Continue reading “COP21, climate change and flooding”

Building and refurbishment specialist Conamar has been appointed to deliver a £2.25million restoration, refurbishment and extension project as part of the creation of a new £3.5 million theatre at the iconic 1930s Broadway Cinema in Letchworth Garden City allowing it to offer theatrical performances as well as its usual film repertoire. The independent cinema currently … Continue reading “Showtime For Broadway Cinema Refurbishment”

With so much coverage of the topic you would be forgiven for thinking that take up had been immense. But a survey by Building magazine has recently found that less than one-third of companies in the construction sector – just 32% – are using Building Information Modelling (BIM) Level 2. Since the previous year’s result … Continue reading “Fewer than one third of firms using BIM”

The business heart of the capital is soaring. Just as the industry was welcoming the new tower at 22 Bishopsgate as the tallest building in the Square Mile, Singapore developer Aroland Holdings unveiled plans for 1 Undershaft – between the Cheesegrater and The Gherkin – at 73 storeys this raises the bar again. 22 Bishopsgate … Continue reading “City of London development thriving”

A bright future for British construction was predicted in a recent report, which forecast that the sector will grow by some 2.9% annually over the next 15 years. This is a significant improvement on the sector’s long term track record of growth of around 2.2%. As a result, according to the Global Construction 2030 report, … Continue reading “Long term boost for UK construction”

On 1 January 2016 a new infrastructure body for the UK will come into force. The Infrastructure and Projects Authority – formed by the merger of Infrastructure UK (IUK) and the Major Projects Authority (MPA) – will, according to the government, bring ‘the government’s expertise, knowledge and skills at managing and delivering major economic projects … Continue reading “New government infrastructure bodies set up”

The government is set to double the housing budget to focus on affordable housing, and prioritise spending on infrastructure and schools. These were among the highlights of Chancellor George Osborne’s combined Spending Review and Autumn Statement on 25 November, which unveiled a raft of measures aimed at spurring devolution, modernising transport and addressing the housing … Continue reading “Government focus on affordable homes”

The retail sector faces a constant challenge to stay ahead of its customers with fresh offerings to attract customers – and shopping centres are no different in this respect than the retailers they house. In Aylesbury we have been helping the owners of Friars Square for just this reason, creating a dramatic new glazed atrium … Continue reading “Facelift for Friars Square, Aylesbury”

This autumn we have delivered another client first: this time bringing the two-Michelin starred Parisian restaurant Taillevent to London. Les 110 de Taillevent London is located in the Grade II-listed former Coutts bank on the north side of Cavendish Square. Its 66-cover, wine-inspired designer dining area is located on the building’s ground floor, with kitchen … Continue reading “Parisian fine dining in Central London”

Building and refurbishment specialist Conamar has completed the refurbishment of the Grade II* listed Maltings at The Thomas Alleyne Academy in Stevenage, transforming a disused building into a new reception, offices and drama studio. The 160 sq m (525 sq ft), one storey building sits at the perimeter of the school site and had been … Continue reading “Listed Building Refurbishment for Stevenage School”

Building and refurbishment specialist Conamar has completed the fit-out of Les 110 de Taillevent in Cavendish Square, helping to bring the two-Michelin starred Parisian restaurant name to London. Les 110 de Taillevent London is the second opening of the company’s brassiere concept offering 110 wines by the glass, following its Paris launch in 2012. Both … Continue reading “Conamar Delivers Parisian Fine Dining in Central London”

After more than six years sitting at less than 0.5%, arguments for an imminent interest rate rise are becoming stronger. Of course, the Bank of England’s job is to look further ahead than the rest of us, and act with more caution, but at its Monetary Policy Committee meeting in August only one member voted … Continue reading “Interest rate rises on the horizon”

The exact figure may be disputed, but no-one disagrees with the scale. The UK needs around 240,000 new homes a year to meet current demand. In the 2014-15 financial year 124,520 new homes were completed in England. In his first budget of the new Parliament, the Chancellor brought in new measures to change that – … Continue reading “Housing in crisis”

In London, demand is tightest. Permitted development rights for office to residential conversions are providing a rich seam of income for developers and a welcome revitalisation of many urban sites, but there’s no question that they’re further tightening an already-constrained commercial market. According to Property Week, in the most prime areas of the West End … Continue reading “London’s property prices continue to be squeezed”

Outside the capital, regional devolution is moving forward. The Northern Powerhouse, spearheaded by Manchester, is much heralded by the government both at home and abroad – not least as a bid to increase Conservative popularity in former Labour strongholds while the latter is getting to grips with a new leader and his radically different approach. … Continue reading “Devolution moves forward”

Meanwhile construction continues apace, with output hitting a seven-month high in September, led by the fastest rise in residential activity for a year. The Markit/CIPS Construction Purchasing Managers Index showed that the residential, commercial and civil engineering sectors all rebounded in September following a dip in August. This was the fastest recorded growth since February, … Continue reading “Construction output on a high”

John Lewis’s improvements to its Oxford Street store continue, with the latest project we have been tasked to deliver completing in September. Across the second and third floors, a new ‘home’ concept has been completed in the centre of the store, spanning both storeys and creating a central architectural feature and a new point of … Continue reading “Home from home in Oxford Street”

Near Bolton, work on defence contractor MBDA’s new world class manufacturing facility is progressing well. The 10,000 sq m facility, including 2,000 sq m of offices, is set for completion to shell and core by the end of this year. The steel frame is now in place, the building is clad and external works are … Continue reading “Green thinking on an industrial scale”

Closer to home, we are very pleased to have completed our first Passivhaus project – a six bedroomed private house on a farm in rural Hertfordshire. These homes are great from a resident’s point of view. Extremely energy efficient without compromising on design, they have a devoted following. From a contractor’s point of view, their … Continue reading “A Passivhaus first”

In theory the Green Deal was a winner. Launched in 2013, it offered households in the UK the funds to install new boilers and insulate their properties, saving money in the long term and cutting down on energy inefficiency. But with less than 10,000 households signing up, issues of consumer protection following reports of scammers … Continue reading “Green Deal funding pulled”

TRACKS autism, an independent local charity and early years centre for children with autism or related conditions, has opened the doors to its new, state-of-the-art centre in Stevenage, Hertfordshire. Building and refurbishment specialist Conamar undertook the refurbishment works, transforming a disused office block on Boulton Road. The new centre has been designed to provide the … Continue reading “TRACKS House Opens Its Doors In Stevenage”

As we wrote for Building magazine this week, we support Agenda 15. It tackles the industry’s biggest challenges and proposes clear, achievable solutions that will benefit the whole country, not just the sector we all work in. And to everything it offers that is right and welcome, we would add just two more words: effective … Continue reading “Why procurement should be a manifesto commitment”

Stevenage-based building and refurbishment specialist, Conamar, is proud to announce its support for the under 13’s Bluesox Wanderers, part of the Stevenage Borough Juniors Football Club, with a £1,000 sponsorship deal. Ben Storey, the Bluesox Wanderers’ manager, said: “This is a great club and the way it offers social, training and playing opportunities for so … Continue reading “Conamar Sponsors Stevenage Under 13’s Football Club”

We are pleased to report that we won two awards, ‘Medium Business of the Year’ and the coveted overall prize for ‘Company of the Year’ at this year’s Hertfordshire Business Awards, with the judges describing Conamar as an outstanding local business. The 2014 event was hosted by local BBC news anchorman Stewart White at an … Continue reading “Double Win for Conamar at Hertfordshire Business Awards”

The Conamar-built John Lewis Partnership Heritage Centre, in Cookham, Berkshire, has won the award for best small commercial building at the LABC Building Excellence Awards Grand Final this week. Completed during John Lewis’s 150th anniversary year, the centre brings together its business and textile archives for the first time, including a pattern-viewing gallery for designs … Continue reading “John Lewis Heritage Centre Recognised at National Building Awards”

We talked last month about the skills shortage and its impact on construction industry growth, but running alongside, and seriously affecting future development plans at the moment, is the issue of supply chain management. Only last year, a government report into the subject described supply chains as having an enabling role in driving performance. This is certainly true if … Continue reading “Smarter supply chains”

We are proud to announce our continued support for the Letchworth Garden City Eagles Football Club with a £1,000 sponsorship deal. A formal presentation was made by Geoff Neville, a contracts manager at Conamar, on Saturday 16 August at the club’s home ground. This is the third year of Conamar’s sponsorship of the team. Tony … Continue reading “Conamar Sponsors Letchworth Eagles FC Senior Team”

Ham Holy Burger, an Italian burger restaurant, and its sister company, traditional Neapolitan pizza restaurant Rossopomodoro, have opened their first concessions at John Lewis’s flagship store on Oxford Street, London. Ham Holy Burger at John Lewis is the first UK restaurant for the cult Italian burger outlet, which has restaurants in Milan and Rome. Rossopomodoro … Continue reading “Two new restaurants for John Lewis Oxford Street – Conamar ensures high quality project delivery”

Leading building and refurbishment specialist, Conamar, has completed the refurbishment of two Howard de Walden Estate projects near Regent’s Park, in London W1. The refurbishment of 50-52 New Cavendish Street has prepared the property for medical purposes. The project, a full refurbishment, included the construction of a new internal passenger lift and shaft, façade alterations, … Continue reading “Conamar Completes Two Refurbishment Projects For Howard De Walden Estate”

Local building and refurbishment specialist, Conamar, has completed work on John Lewis’ new roof garden at its flagship store on Oxford Street. To celebrate its 150th anniversary this year, John Lewis partnered with Tony Woods, the 2013 winner of the Royal Horticultural Society’s National Young Designer of the Year, to install one of the largest … Continue reading “Conamar Completes Work On John Lewis Roof Garden”

Skill shortage A skill shortage within UK construction is nothing new. Since the late 1980s, construction has battled against the rise of tertiary industries that have become more attractive for those starting further and higher education and entering the job market. While apprenticeships in these sectors have continued to grow, there has been a substantial … Continue reading “Industry challenge – skill shortage”

Building and refurbishment specialist, Conamar, has appointed Trudy Stripp to the position of Marketing and Business Development Manager at its head office in Stevenage. With more than 20 years’ experience in marketing and business development roles, Trudy will be working closely with Neil Dower, Managing Director at Conamar, to support new business engagement, manage client … Continue reading “Conamar Makes New Senior Appointment”

The John Lewis Partnership Heritage Centre, in Cookham, Berkshire, has won the Best Small Commercial Building and Best Change of Use of an Existing Building or Conversion categories at the Central LABC Building Excellence Awards. Constructed by building and refurbishment specialist, Conamar and designed by FSP Architects, the heritage centre has enabled two historical collections … Continue reading “John Lewis Partnership Heritage Centre Wins Two Building Excellence Awards”

Family-run building contractor Conamar has been appointed to complete a full refurbishment of MBDA’s 20Z office at its Filton site in Bristol. MBDA is a world leader in missiles and missile systems; its current office space in 20Z is spread over three floors. The refurbishment work being undertaken includes: a full strip out of existing … Continue reading “Conamar Appointed to Refurbishment of MBDA’s Bristol Office”

Conamar has completed a significant refurbishment at Waitrose’s head office, in Bracknell, Berkshire. The refurbishment of the Partners’ café and dining room took place between December 2013 and January 2014, and includes new ceilings, partitions, floor coverings, wall tiling, decorations and new fixed seating. Neil Dower, Managing Director of Conamar said: “John Lewis Partnership is … Continue reading “Conamar Completes Refurbishment of Waitrose Head Office”

Conamar has completed a multi-million refurbishment of a private residential property comprising five flats over five floors on Baker Street, W1, close to Regent’s Park. Conamar’s role involved demolition and structural alterations, mechanical and electrical services and the co-ordination of finishing trades. Challenges faced while completing the project included scheduling and delivering so many services … Continue reading “Conamar completes refurbishment of central London residence”

Working in partnership with John Lewis, Conamar has completed a full refurbishment of the Cardinal Hume Centre’s charity shop in Westminster – close to John Lewis’s head office in Victoria, London. The Cardinal Hume Centre enables people to gain the skills they need to overcome poverty and homelessness, focusing on four areas of need: income, … Continue reading “Partnership with John Lewis on shop renovation helps London-based charity”

Conamar has completed a new tyre fitting facility in Dereham, Norfolk, for Kwik Fit, the UK’s leading automotive repair company. Conamar constructed a new 3,982 sq ft (370 sq m) building over two storeys with a landmark curved steel roof. The building has new tyre fitting and laser wheel alignment facilities, storage spaces for new … Continue reading “Conamar completes first new concept Kwik Fit Facility”

Conamar has been appointed by Merton College, part of the University of Oxford, to refurbish Rose Lane 5, its 3,000 sq ft accommodation building in Oxford city centre. The existing accommodation, which includes 17 one-bedroom student rooms, is in need of upgraded facilities for its students, as well as conference delegates visiting the university in … Continue reading “Conamar appointed for Merton College refurbishment”

Conamar has recently completed work for John Lewis, bringing new Kuoni concessions to its Oxford Street, Southampton, Reading and Cardiff department stores. The concessions for the luxury holiday specialist are situated in the customer service areas, adjacent to John Lewis’s Gift List departments and range from 444 sq ft (41 sq m) to 821 sq … Continue reading “Conamar Completes Work on New Kuoni Concession in Four John Lewis Stores”

John O’Donnell, a Contracts Director at family-owned Stevenage building contractor Conamar, was one of a team of 26 riders, made up of John Lewis partners and members of other businesses working for the Partnership, to have completed a 340 mile sponsored cycling challenge from Victoria to Düsseldorf, helping to raise £15,000 for SANE – a … Continue reading “Stevenage Firm Supports Mental Health Charity in Four-Day Cycle Ride to Germany”

The Howard de Walden Estate has appointed Conamar to handle the £0.45m refurbishment work at 32 Devonshire Place, in London W1, close to Regent’s Park. Conamar will complete internal refurbishment work on the three-bedroom flat including sound proofing, restoring marble fireplaces, re-wiring the electrics and fitting bespoke kitchen and cabinetry. Further works will also include … Continue reading “Conamar Appointed by Howard De Walden Estate for Regent’s Park Refurbishment”

Conamar has been appointed by John Lewis Partnership to create a new £1.5m heritage centre at Grove Farm in Cookham, Berkshire. Conamar will construct a new pattern-viewing building and archive centre as well as completing a full refurbishment of the existing pottery building that was used to make items for John Lewis stores during the … Continue reading “Conamar Appointed for John Lewis Partnership Heritage Centre in Cookham”

Conamar has completed the second phase of improvements to the John Lewis flagship store on Oxford Street, introducing new concepts to the menswear and beauty departments. The menswear department on the ground floor, home to Ted Baker, Tommy Hilfiger and Ralph Lauren has increased in size by 2,000 sq ft to 17,000 sq ft, with … Continue reading “Conamar Completes Refurbishment for John Lewis Oxford Street”