BAE Systems: Submarine Main Office, Bristol

The brief:

As principal contractor Sweet Projects were commissioned to provide a full category B design and refurbishment of BAE Systems office, 2800m2 second floor in Bristol. This encompassed 281 desks, and multiple kitchens, meeting rooms, communication rooms, lobbies and reception. 

The scope included the complete strip out of the existing fabric and M and E back to the building core, and subsequent full installation of new M and E services, walls, heightened security, ceilings, floor coverings and furniture. 

With such a large project, the Sweet Projects team carefully planned each stage of the refurbishment to ensure minimal disruption to BAE Systems’ day-to-day operations. Throughout the project, Sweet Projects worked closely with the BAE to ensure requirements were met at every stage, while ensuring the design was tailored to meet their specific needs, with a focus on creating a modern and functional workspace that would enhance productivity and wellbeing. 

Key challenges:

• Operating within a live environment
• Top level security clearance for key staff
• Challenging refurbishment of one floor within larger building

The solution:

• Effective communication and collaborative relationships enabled a mutual understanding and paved the way for a clear direction ahead
• Select group of specialist subcontractors and Sweet Projects team for security clearance
• Project planning to ensure deadlines were met