Following their recently completed refurbishment project at Ravenhead Retail Park, Wiliams Tarr are back on site undertaking a £1.3m contract to modify the structure of Unit 11 in preparation for the new M&S store fit out.

After 90 years of trading at Church Street in St. Helens town centre, M&S will soon be relocating to this larger, brand-new store at Ravenhead.

The existing 19,000 sq. ft. retail unit will be doubled in size with the installation of a new structural steelwork mezzanine floor, accessed by two feature staircases with balustrading.

Extensive substructure works within the building include mezzanine foundation bases and pits for two lifts, an escalator and a scissor lift. The foundations will be supported on 60 No. bottom driven mini piles installed using special rigs to ensure low noise and low vibration. Various internal walls and lift shafts will be built and the roof will be modified to suit the lift over-run.

The main façade is to be remodelled to include full height facing brick feature panels and a new main entrance within structural glazing. Mains services capacities will be increased and additional foul and surface water drainage will be provided.

Work is scheduled for an October completion, to be immediately followed by the M&S interior store fit out operation.