The Exchange, Harrogate
The Exchange, Harrogate represents a comprehensive refurbishment of a prominent commercial office building, focused on modernising core facilities and enhancing the overall occupier experience. The project involved the upgrade of office areas, WCs, lifts, and floor ancillary spaces, delivering a refreshed, high-quality working environment within an established town-centre location.
As principal contractor, we delivered a carefully managed refurbishment programme within a live commercial setting, ensuring minimal disruption while transforming key building elements to contemporary standards. A further phase of refurbishment to additional floors is scheduled for early 2026, continuing the building’s phased modernisation strategy.
PROJECT GOALS
Modernise office accommodation to meet current workplace expectations
Refurbish WC facilities to a high-quality contemporary standard
Upgrade lift systems to improve performance, safety, and user experience
Enhance floor ancillary areas to create a cohesive and professional environment
Deliver works within a live commercial building with minimal disruption
Provide a turnkey mechanical, electrical, and construction solution
Prepare the building for continued phased refurbishment in early 2026
PLANNING AND DESIGN
The planning phase centred on delivering a phased refurbishment strategy within an occupied building. Careful coordination was required to ensure business continuity while upgrading critical infrastructure and shared facilities.
Design development focused on creating clean, modern finishes across office suites and communal areas, with durability and longevity as key drivers in material selection. WC refurbishments were designed to elevate both functionality and aesthetic quality, while lift upgrades were engineered to improve reliability, accessibility, and compliance.
Mechanical and electrical systems were reviewed and enhanced to align with the refurbished spaces, ensuring performance, energy efficiency, and long-term operational resilience.
CONSTRUCTION
Strip-Out & Enabling Works – Careful removal of existing finishes and fixtures across offices, WCs, lift areas, and ancillary spaces.
Office Refurbishment – Installation of new finishes, flooring, ceilings, and associated upgrades to modernise workspace environments.
WC Refurbishment – Full renewal of sanitaryware, partitions, finishes, lighting, and ventilation systems.
Lift Upgrades – Modernisation works to lift systems, improving functionality, safety, and user experience.
Ancillary Areas – Refurbishment of corridors, lobbies, and shared floor facilities to create a consistent building-wide standard.
MEP Works – Mechanical and electrical upgrades delivered to support the refurbished areas, ensuring compliance and performance.
Phased Delivery – Programme structured to accommodate live building conditions, with further floor refurbishments planned for early 2026.
Compliance & Management – Principal contractor role including CDM coordination, site safety, programme management, and full project oversight.
PROJECT EXECUTION
Acting as principal contractor, we managed all aspects of the refurbishment — from early coordination and services isolation through to final finishes and commissioning. Existing office areas were stripped back and reconfigured where required, allowing for upgraded finishes, improved layouts, and enhanced workplace functionality.
WC facilities were fully refurbished, including replacement sanitaryware, new IPS systems, upgraded ventilation, contemporary finishes, and improved lighting. The lift modernisation programme enhanced performance, safety, and reliability, ensuring compliance with current standards while improving the day-to-day user experience.
Mechanical and electrical services were reviewed and upgraded to support the refurbished spaces, including lighting improvements, power distribution adjustments, and associated building services enhancements. Floor ancillary areas — including corridors, lobbies, and shared facilities — were revitalised to create a cohesive and professional environment throughout the building.
The phased delivery strategy ensured smooth coordination within an occupied environment, laying the groundwork for further refurbishment works scheduled for early 2026.
The result is a modernised commercial building with upgraded infrastructure, refreshed interiors, and improved occupier experience — delivered with minimal disruption and a clear strategy for continued enhancement.
ACHIEVEMENTS
A comprehensive refurbishment of key office floors and shared facilities
Modern, high-quality WC environments aligned with contemporary workplace standards
Upgraded lift systems delivering improved reliability, safety, and performance
Refreshed ancillary areas creating a cohesive building-wide aesthetic
Enhanced mechanical and electrical infrastructure supporting long-term building performance
Successful delivery within a live commercial environment with minimal disruption
A phased refurbishment strategy enabling further floor upgrades in early 2026
Improved overall occupier experience and future-proofed office accommodation
Through carefully phased delivery, coordinated in-house management, and rigorous construction oversight, we transformed key office floors and shared facilities into a refreshed, future-ready working environment.
The result is a modernised and resilient commercial building that enhances occupier experience, strengthens long-term asset value, and establishes a strong foundation for the next phase of refurbishment in early 2026.