Hard graft in Cambridge

Global Environmental was appointed by the developer Wrenbridge, to carry out a full refurbishment survey, front and back of house, for the Grafton Centre in Cambridge.

The Grafton comprises 500,000 sq ft of retail accommodation in 84 units, also includes a cinema and 1,150 car parking spaces.  It was originally developed in 1983 and altered in 1995 and 2004. The current refurbishment includes repositioning of the entrance as well as refitting of the interior. Cambridge’s current strong economic performance is behind the current development.

Phases 1 and 2 of the survey were completed successfully despite some challenging survey conditions such as closing time for the Centre only being between 2am and 6am.  It was necessary to work discretely while it was open and therefore in the public eye. This resulted in the front of house survey being purely visible at this stage and will go into the report as asbestos ’strongly presumed’ until the areas can be inspected and proved to be asbestos-free.  Back of house, however, was accessible and it was possible to take all samples, including behind the façades.

Phases 3 and 4 are due to be completed soon.