20th November 2015

Thomasons Birmingham wins Structural Award for Next retail unit in Solihull

We’re delighted that our Birmingham office has won a prestigious regional award from the Institution of Structural Engineers for transforming a rundown retail unit at Sears Retail Park in Solihull into a superb new facility for leading brand Next.

Thomasons won top prize in the hotly contested Commercial or Retail Structures category, with the project at Birmingham New Street station receiving a commendation.

Peter Brooks, Associate at Thomasons Birmingham, was presented with the award by Craig McFadyen, Chairman of the IStructE Midland Counties Regional Group, at a gala dinner in Birmingham on 12th November.

Craig McFadyen said: “The Next Home project is an excellent example of engineering prowess and shows the diverse range of engineering skills used by the team to revamp and improve the building for modern use. The project was a worthy winner in what was a strongly contested awards year.”

The project involved significant alterations to the single-storey 35,000 sq. ft. unit – the largest at Sears Retail Park – to significantly increase the floor space with the addition of a new mezzanine floor, which involved the challenge of raising the entire roof by 1.5 metres.

This is the latest in a string of awards this year for projects in which Thomasons played a major role. Recognised for their outstanding design were the mental healthcare facility Kingfisher Court in Radlett (four awards); Watches of Switzerland in Regent Street; and The Quarry, luxury residential homes in Guildford.