DWP Office Refurbishment, Lewes

Project Overview

The Shore Group completed a comprehensive internal refurbishment of the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) offices in Lewes, East Sussex. The facility provides essential frontline services including jobseeker support, unemployment benefits assistance, client assessments and occupational therapy. Due to the nature of these services, it was critical that the building remained operational throughout the duration of the works while ensuring the health, safety and welfare of staff, tenants and members of the public.

Planning & Programme Strategy

Planning for the scheme was extensive to ensure business continuity within a live public-facing environment. The Shore Group worked closely with the DWP to identify the most effective delivery strategy, allowing services to continue while minimising disruption.

A 12-week programme was agreed, including the Christmas period. To support a rapid delivery and reduce impact on daily operations, the works incorporated out-of-hours activity and carefully coordinated temporary closures where required.

The project team also worked extensively with the on-site facilities management team to ensure clear and compliant segregation of construction areas from occupied spaces. All tenant work areas were regularly returned to a safe, clean and fully operational condition whenever required.

Scope of Works

• Replacement of internal fire doors

• Refurbishment of kitchen and welfare areas, including hygienic wall panelling

• Replacement of light fittings

• Full internal decoration

• Replacement suspended ceilings

• Replacement flooring

Project Delivery

A large proportion of the works were self-delivered by The Shore Group. This approach enabled effective control over workforce allocation, sequencing and overall programme performance, while supporting clear and efficient day-to-day communication with the site-based client.

Direct management of the supply chain allowed the project team to coordinate materials efficiently, support sustainable waste management practices and ensure timely procurement aligned with the fast-track programme. The self-delivery model also contributed to a smooth and well-managed handover process, with accurate and promptly issued Operation and Maintenance (O&M) documentation.

Through close collaboration with stakeholders, flexible working practices and a controlled delivery approach, the project was completed successfully while maintaining continuous operation of critical public services and providing a refreshed, compliant and improved working environment for building users.