RIBA National Award - WINNER - Building of the Year 2018
Civic Trust AABC Conservation Award 2019
Durham Cathedral
We worked collaboratively with The Chapter of Durham Cathedral across three phases of their multi-stage redevelopment and restoration programme, designed to open up the historic building and collections and create a more accessible visitor experience. All phases were delivered while the Cathedral remained fully operational, requiring meticulous planning and daily coordination with the Client and the Estates Management Team.
Phase 1 and 2 of the Open Treasure project provided new exhibition spaces within the Monks’ Dormitory and Great Kitchen, along with a linking gallery corridor containing specialist, controlled-environment display areas for historic artefacts. The works also included new retail and hospitality facilities.
The development of the shop and restaurant revealed 13 bays of the medieval western under-croft, exposed for the first time in over a century. Working closely with the Cathedral’s conservation and maintenance specialist, we produced bespoke joinery for the shop, including display cabinets, storage units and a cash desk illuminated with the Durham Cathedral logo. We also installed a new audio-visual display room.
Extensive conservation works were carried out to the external façade, including stone replacement and full-elevation repointing, using lime mortar in place of the existing cementitious materials. An enclosed scaffold was erected around the Cathedral perimeter to facilitate these works.
Phase 3 comprised enabling works within the Cathedral’s two main nave areas to support the installation of two glass lobbies. This required careful design collaboration, including lifting sections of stone paving to determine how existing underground heating pipework could be modified and diverted to serve the new structural lobbies.
Recommended Projects
Sainsbury's
Our relationship with Sainsbury’s began in 2016, following their acquisition of Argos. Having worked with Argos since 1993, we were able to proactively share our knowledge and experience of the Argos estate with Sainsbury’s and their other main contractors. This collaboration strengthened our partnership, and we are now proud to be recognised as one of their Platinum suppliers, successfully delivering projects across their multiple workstreams.
Our current role focuses on supporting the development of Sainsbury’s national property portfolio and helping to enhance their multi-brand vision through new store fit-outs, refurbishments and an ongoing programme of initiative-led roll-out works.
Key initiatives we’ve been involved in include:
- Store-in-Store rollouts.
- Local Fulfilment Centres
- Refrigeration Refurbishment Schemes
- Carbon neutral initiatives
- Brand standard upgrades
In 2025 we delivered Sainsbury's Witney, a new concept store. This involved a full remodel of the existing superstore, including external façade and roof repairs, and the creation of additional space to accommodate Argos, Starbucks and Timpsons. Refrigeration and mechanical plant systems were replaced, with new cold rooms installed to support Sainsbury’s drive towards net zero. The Works were carefully phased to minimise disruption, with the store only closing for the final two weeks to allow for fridge and freezer replacements and restocking ahead of store launch.
Since Witney, we have also completed their newest flagship superstore at Wynyard, Billingham. The impressive 48,330 sq. ft. store has been built to Sainsbury’s latest “MBS” specification, setting a new benchmark for quality and sustainability. featuring latest design, energy-efficient standards, and advanced operational features, this store represents the very best of Sainsbury’s retail experience.
Bradford Arts Centre
Formally known as ‘Kala Sangam’, Simpson completed the redevelopment of the newly named ‘Bradford Arts Centre’.
The 75 week program has seen an extensive reconfiguration and upgrade to the existing building facilities creating a state-of-the-art, space for artists, audiences and businesses, reconnecting the building and arts centre to the local community.
The project has seen the creation of a new theatre, five dance studios, a new central staircase and a permanent home for volunteer-led community radio station Bradford Community Broadcasting (BCB).
The introduction of a new entrance, two new lifts and a dedicated changing place facility now ensures the building is fully accessible for the first time in its 140-year history.
Endsleigh Convent
Built in the late 1800s, Endsleigh Convent in Filey served as a convent and holiday retreat for the Sisters of Mercy of the Middlesbrough Diocese.
The goal was to sensitively redevelop the historic structure into five high-end residential apartments, preserving its architectural character while introducing modern functionality and comfort. The project aimed to honour the building’s heritage while adapting it for contemporary coastal living.
The development has seen
- Internal remodelling carried out across all floors to create 5 spacious, open-plan apartments.
- Extensive structural works to support the new layouts and to accommodate a platform lift serving all levels.
- The former chapel underwent a thoughtful extension, transforming it into a unique residence with “upside-down” living:
The redevelopment of Endsleigh Convent successfully blends heritage preservation with modern design, creating a collection of distinctive homes that respect the building’s past while embracing its future. The project stands as a model for adaptive reuse in a sensitive coastal setting.
Let's Build
Tomorrow, Today!
