Briggate Street (Former Zara Building

Leeds

Project Overview

Located on Briggate Street, one of Leeds’s busiest shopping destinations, the former Zara building has been transformed to prepare for a new retail tenant. Jupiter Construction was appointed to complete a full strip-out package, preparing the building for the incoming fit-out team and ensuring the space was delivered on time and to the highest standards.

The project included full internal strip-out works, dilapidations, remodelling, structural preparations, external façade repairs, and finishing touches, ensuring the building was handed over ready for the next phase of fit-out.

Duration
14 weeks
Value
£550k
Completion
December 2024
Client
NFU Mutual
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Client Overview

We delivered the project in partnership with PSK Building Surveyors Limited, acting on behalf of The National Farmers Union Mutual Insurance Society Limited (NFU Mutual).

NFU Mutual is a long-established insurance provider, and PSK Building Surveyors oversaw the project on their behalf, ensuring all requirements were met with quality and compliance.

Scope of Works

Jupiter Construction’s package covered a range of activities to prepare the site for redevelopment:

Internal Works

  • Full strip-out of existing fixtures, fittings, services, and non-structural elements across multiple floors
  • Hard strip-out on the ground floor, including safe removal and disposal of redundant materials which includes the removal of two escalators.
  • Installation of temporary welfare facilities, lighting, and power during the project
  • Remodelling works including forming new door openings and erecting new partitions and significant structural works to both the ground and 1st floors

Structural Preparations

  • Creation and infill of service risers
  • Preparation of roof plant areas
  • Infill of floor voids to create a stable platform for future fit-out works

Finishes

  • Drainage surveys and repairs
  • Joinery works, including new doors, landings, and steps
  • Internal decorations and flooring repairs
  • Electrical and fire alarm preparation works

External Works

  • Façade cleaning to restore the building’s appearance
  • Mortar and external façade repairs
  • Erection of branded construction hoardings and external decorations
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Challenges

  1. Restricted City-Centre Access

With the site located on one of Leeds’s busiest shopping streets, there were local authorities restrictions on the timings for skip collections and waste removal. Our team coordinated early-morning operations to manage debris removal efficiently, avoiding disruption to local businesses and the public.

  1. Maintaining Public Safety

The high pedestrian footfall on Briggate meant strict site safety measures were essential, including temporary hoardings, barriers, and careful traffic management around the site.

  1. Robust Programme Deadlines

The client required completion by 20th December 2024 to allow the incoming retailer to begin their fit-out phase immediately. Our meticulous planning and coordination with subcontractors ensured the deadline was met without compromising quality.

Success

Despite the challenges, the project was delivered on time, within budget, and to a required standards to enable the subsequent fit out.

This project demonstrates Jupiter Construction’s capability to manage complex multi-phase refurbishments in high-footfall, city-centre environments — showcasing our adaptability, collaboration, and unwavering commitment to our values.

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