A Bathing Ape
European Flagship Store in Mayfair
Client: A Bathing Ape | Principal Contractor: Powells Ltd | Architect: KTA Architects Ltd | Project Value: £3 million
About
Japanese high-end fashion brand A Bathing Ape (BAPE) introduced themselves to the UK in December of 2020 when they opened the doors of their new European Flagship store. Located in the heart of Mayfair and spanning 7 stories across a 8,000 sqft space, this large stripout and refurbishment project took 20 months to complete. Saxon Safety’s role in this project was extensive, providing the Health & Safety and CDM support to the Principal Contractor, the Principal Designer, and to the client.
What We Did
- Caried out a pre-construction audit and produced a pre-construction information pack on behalf of the client.
- Advised the designer on technical queries including methods of access for the ongoing maintenance of the roof and the external parts of the building - The early identification of this at the design stage meant that this could be properly designed and installed, reducing the residual risk to the building users and their contractors.
- Liaised with the projects Principal Designer, who was based in Hong Kong, on design and architectural matters regarding UK health and safety and CDM regulations.
- Wrote and updated the Construction Phase Plan for the Principal Contractor.
- Carried out a Fire Risk Assessment updating it as the project progressed.
- Maintained the project risk register during the construction phase.
- Supported the temporary works procedures which included the camouflage branded hording wrapping around the ground floor, and extensive scaffold work for carrying
out the major structural works. - Carried out weekly site audits to ensure the continued safety of the site and its workers, with special consideration to the effects Covid-19.
- During the later stages of the project we co-ordinated between the client and the
Principal Contractor to allow safe access and use of certain areas of the building to allow the client to successfully launch on their desired date.
Challenges
The complexities of this project, from transforming a dated building into 4 floors of modern retail space and 3 floors of office and back of house areas, were made all the more challenging by the Covid-19 pandemic. Halting the project half-way through the build, nationwide lockdowns and restrictions imposed on the construction industry delayed progress. However, working closely with the project team, Saxon Safety devised a robust Health & Safety plan to implement control measures and reduce the spread of the virus, which allowed staff to work safely as the restrictions were gradually lifted. Working diligently to comply with the government guidelines, which changed at some times on a daily basis, Saxon Safety were key to managing the progression of the project as construction sites were allowed to reopen across the country. With this, team were given a new expected launch of December 2020, just in time for the festive shopping season, which was a resounding success.
Since the launch
Now a thriving multi-level flagship for the brand sited in a busy shopping district of the capital, the store has been recognised for its design and build quality, becoming 2021 finalists for the SBID International Design Awards in the Retail Design category. As Health & Safety advisors to all main duty holders, we at Saxon Safety were integral to the project’s success and are proud of the accolades the store has since received.
