Rapid Turnkey Store Conversion Delivery

OVERVIEW

When B&Q acquired three former Homebase stores in Leamington Spa, Basingstoke and Altrincham, they faced the significant challenge of converting each site into modern B&Q retail environment in tight implementation windows. The transformations required complete rebranding, extensive construction work, and ensuring each store met B&Q’s operational standards. Critically, the stores needed to delight B&Q customers and open on time to maximise the acquisition benefits.

Acting as Principal Contractor, The Shore Group delivered a comprehensive turnkey solution including property works and retail services in three geographically dispersed sites.

Our teams worked closely with B&Q to optimise the programme, delivering on-time and on-budget in each site. The ultimate measure of success was demonstrated by exceptional trading performance. Two of the three stores achieved results of 100% above budget during their opening periods.

CHALLENGES

Coordinating complex multi-trade operations across three geographically dispersed locations required a high level of organisation and expertise. Each site presented unique building constraints, yet The Shore Group successfully adapted its approach to deliver B&Q’s distinctive store format consistently across all locations. Our team also effectively managed nominated contractors for specialist installations, ensuring seamless integration with our own workforce.

A key challenge was accelerating store readiness across three sites while maintaining consistent quality and safety standards. Through disciplined project management, clear communication, and proactive problem-solving, we overcame these complexities and delivered smooth, efficient conversions.

SOLUTIONS / BENEFITS

The Shore Group successfully delivered all three conversions on time and within budget. By providing a fully integrated service, The Shore Group eliminated the complexity of managing multiple contractors across different trades and locations, offering B&Q a single point of accountability.

Racking installation was completed using our innovative Racker-diser model, which eliminated traditional handover delays and created significant time efficiencies. This approach utilises our multi-skilled colleagues to carry out both racking and merchandising tasks to drive up project efficiencies and improve the operational delivery on-site.

The innovative Racker-diser methodology delivered further efficiencies by reducing handover delays and achieving a 29% time saving, which directly accelerated store openings and improved commercial outcomes. Comprehensive health and safety planning ensured there were zero safety incidents across the three sites, despite the complexity of multi-trade operations.

The project also demonstrated The Shore Group’s scalability, with the capacity to mobilise rapidly across multiple locations while maintaining consistent quality and safety standards. This approach not only reduced project risk but also maximised return on investment for the client, confirming the value of The Shore Group’s integrated service model in delivering large-scale retail transformations.

DETAILED SCOPE OF WORK

The project timelines required rapid mobilisation, with delivery teams on site just ten days after the initial scoping phase, and all sites trading within 6 weeks of building handover from the administrators.

Our mobilisation strategy prioritised thorough pre-construction planning and early risk management to ensure programme certainty from day one. This included equipment surveys and consolidation from existing homebase operations, technical due diligence and the development of site-specific delivery plans. Pre-start checks confirmed supply chain readiness, material availability and workforce coordination across all locations.

Dedicated project teams were mobilised, supported by clear communication protocols and central programme control. This enabled a fast, controlled start on site while maintaining quality, safety and operational consistency across the three stores.

Each location required a complete strip-out of the existing Homebase fixtures and fittings, reducing the buildings back to shell before full construction and shopfitting works commenced across both retail and back-of-house areas.

As part of our PC responsibilities, we undertook the mechanical and electrical installations, including adaptations to the existing emergency lighting and fire alarm systems, utilising our trusted, vetted supply chain partners. New data and CCTV infrastructure was introduced in coordination with B&Q’s nominated contractors. The works also included the construction of new partition walls, the refurbishment of staff facilities, and the installation of tills, desks, and point-of-sale systems.

Specialist areas were completed in partnership with subcontractors, including kitchen and bathroom displays, while The Shore Group’s internal teams installed a new timber saw and extraction unit. Both internal and external signage were introduced (including fire strategy signage), and essential remedial works were completed to roofing, guttering, tarmac, and concrete surfaces.

External facades were fully spray-painted, with additional works to the car parks including white lining and wayfinding. Internal repairs were carried out to flooring, ceilings, and walls, followed by full redecoration.

Our in-house teams delivered racking installation, module mapping, space planning, and full merchandising services using its directly employed workforce. Additional services included consolidating all display equipment due to space constraints at B & Q’s existing facilities, which saw us take in 1200 pallets of HD Racking over a 2 week period, with this then split down into store specific orders for delivery in line with the phasing plan for each store, and post-opening support to ensure a smooth transition to operations.