Simpson has successfully launched a new Sainsburys supermarket in Felixstowe on 1^st May!  

As part of Sainsbury’s new business plan and focus on “New Space” which is the creation of new supermarkets in strategic locations for them.

Sainsbury’s acquired vacant units which required full strip out, demolition and reconfiguration, working within a number of constraints including from the landlord, an existing and continuously trading shopping precinct, asbestos and heritage listings. A £4+million budget and a tight 12 week programme was agreed and our team led by Tim Pocock, Steve Barwick and Vas Simion embraced the challenge.

Simpson delivered this project throughout pre-construction with our own appointed design team. Including architectural, structural and full M&E design driven forward by our own Jack Cannon. This enabled Simpson to be in control and moving at pace to deliver the project as well as react positively and promptly to the inevitable changes and challenges.

The new supermarket is 19,263 sqft and will host 85 new Sainsburys colleagues, supports 188 carpark spaces and means that almost 23,000 more people live within a 10min drive of a Sainsburys Supermarket.

Sainsbury’s construction and retail directors attended the launch with celebration and positive feedback for all involved and everyone involved in the project should be proud of the overall outcome and successes.

Simpson look forward to delivering a number of additional “New Space” projects for Sainsbury’s throughout 2025 and beyond.

It was a great honour to attend the CIVIC TRUST AWARDS with Hugh Broughton Architects and Martin Ashley Architects last month.

With 320 project entries from across the UK, Canada, France, Germany, Lithuania, Malta, Poland and the USA and after a rigorous first stage assessment, 111 projects were shortlisted. These projects were then put through a national judging panel and of those shortlisted 22 were given a 'Civic Trust Award', one of which was 'Clifford's Tower.'

As the main contractor on this project, it was great to see and be a part of another triumphant win for this amazing heritage project.

In 2022 Simpson purchased Endsleigh Convent in Filey, which at the time of purchase was still a place of residence for nuns to the Sisters of Mercy in the Catholic Diocese of Middlesborough.

Working with Vincent Partners, we put together designs that allowed for structural alterations and space planning to enable the redevelopment of the property to provide 5 executive apartments.

After 14months of redevelopment, Endsleigh Convent in Filey is now complete and the 5 beautifully fit out apartments are now ready for sale.

Simpson has just completed the fit-out of a 16-lane bowling alley in Preston cities new leisure facility for our client Hollywood Bowl.

The 15-week programme included the internal fit-out including, reception and bar area, amusement arcade, offices, toilets and general concourse area. In addition, we facilitated the installation of the PV on the roof with another client direct contractor. The joinery elements which included fire doors and frames, bar and reception, feature rafts play for prizes display wall and vanity units just to name a few have all been manufactured at our in-house joinery workshop.

It has been a great project to work on, and we are excited to continue working with our client and have already begun our next project with them in Uxbridge.

Another month and another board meeting but not in the usual board room. Our board of directors headed out last week to our current project in Bradford, the Kala Sangam museum.

We are currently on site of the Grade II listed building to extensively reconfigure and upgrade the existing buildings facilities to create a state-of-the-art, fully accessible space for artists, audiences and businesses, reconnecting the building and arts centre to the local community.

After 3 years on site, Simpson have now completed their part in the refurbishment to the Grade II listed Hull Maritime Museum.

The work completed to the Museum has seen:

Restoration of the stonework, through poulticing/repairing and replacing significant stonework using traditional stonemason methods.

Replacement of the lead to the cupolas and timber structure inside and restoration of the existing ridge tiles while maintaining the original features to the building.

Installation of new mechanical and electrical services.

Opening up of the basement and 2nd floor to create 50% more public/exhibition space.

Repair and decoration throughout, including the creation a new café for visitors.

Reclaiming the central courtyard to create a stunning central glass atrium which will be open to visitors, along with access to one of the cupola’s which showcases the panoramic rooftop views across the city.

It has been a great pleasure to have been a part of the ‘Hull Maritime master redevelopment plan’