Willmott Dixon Construction has recently secured a significant contract valued at £36.9 million from the Government Property Agency to refurbish the Sanctuary Building, a Grade II listed structure located in the heart of London. This contract, procured through a meticulous two-stage process under the Crown Commercial Service’s Construction Works and Associated Services framework, aims to enhance the office environment for the Department for Education, which occupies the site at 20 Great Smith Street. The refurbishment project entails extensive work on three floors and the basement, necessitating both strip-out activities and a Cat B fit-out to modernise the space and prepare it for future governmental usage. Construction commenced on 19 May 2025, with completion expected by 2 June 2026.
Complementing this major project, Willmott Dixon has also been awarded a £14.6 million enabling works contract at the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) in Weybridge, Surrey. This contract, granted under a call-off from an existing framework agreement by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), began on 5 June 2025 and is anticipated to be finalised by 31 December 2027. The tasks at the Weybridge site primarily focus on site clearance and laying the groundwork for future construction phases as part of DEFRA's broader redevelopment initiative for the science campus.
In terms of broader context, the Sanctuary Building project not only involves physical renovations but is also emblematic of shifting trends within government workplace design, especially considering the increased emphasis on hybrid working models. According to related sources, the refurbishment intends to provide modern collaborative workspaces, hot desking facilities, and advanced meeting rooms equipped with the latest conferencing technology, all designed to foster a more flexible and productive working environment.
Willmott Dixon's recent activities reflect a strengthening portfolio in heritage restoration, having also initiated a £36 million project for the restoration of the Seymour Centre in Marylebone. This project will restore a historical building built in the 1930s, reinvigorating amenities such as a swimming pool and sports hall, among others, scheduled for completion in 2026. Such initiatives not only highlight the firm's commitment to heritage and community-focused projects but also underscore its role in addressing contemporary infrastructure needs within the public sector.
As Willmott Dixon expands its portfolio of government contracts, including the recent refurbishment of the National Maritime Museum's roof for £12 million, the firm continues to position itself as a pivotal player in the UK construction landscape. These projects collectively demonstrate a robust commitment to enhancing public infrastructure while ensuring that modern expectations for workspaces are met, ultimately contributing to broader government objectives for efficient and sustainable public facilities.
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Source: Noah Wire Services