Weatherproofing and internal site offices at iconic London landmark

Transforming space behind one of London's iconic landmarks

The Wates Group is one of the largest family-owned construction, property services and development companies in the United Kingdom. When Wates was appointed as the main contractor for a 144,000 sq ft mixed-use development in the heart of London, the project required specialist weatherproofing and temporary welfare spaces.  

Seen by millions of visitors every year, the Piccadilly Lights have been one of London’s most iconic landmarks since the early 1900s. Developer Land Securities (Landsec) acquired the Piccadilly Lights themselves back in 1968, but it wasn’t until 2012 that they finally purchased the last of the 13 disparate buildings occupying the surrounding block. 

The project took a careful approach to heritage. Rather than demolish the existing streetscape, the team dismantled, restored and reinstalled the listed facades of several buildings before integrating them with major new-build elements. With seven-storeys to transform, lots of workers on site, and the site itself open to the elements, Wates needed a solution that could be installed internally to create employee site rooms and double as external weatherproofing.

One system, two solutions: external weathering and site rooms

With the site located in the heart of one of London’s busiest areas, traditional cabin welfare units were simply not suitable. Wates needed a solution that could function as both internal site accommodation and external weatherproofing, keeping the floor plate clean, dry and workable throughout the project.

The Westgate Global team installed 372 linear metres of Hoardfast Firescreen to form site offices and welfare facilities, with the same panels doubling as external-facing weatherproofing walls. The modular nature of the system meant it could be cut around protrusions and configured to suit the quirks of a complex heritage site. 

Hoardfast PVC panels were used to create toilet cubicles across three blocks, while PVC screens provided 80 individual seating pods in the canteen. In an industry facing ongoing recruitment challenges and fierce competition for skilled workers, the quality of welfare facilities matters — and on a project as high-profile as this one, Wates were not willing to compromise. Despite the temporary and reusable nature of the system, the finished result felt clean, smart and permanent, for both the workforce using it daily and the millions of passers-by outside.

On a Wates project committed to sustainable construction, the fact that Hoardfast PVC panels are manufactured from 85% recycled materials and fully recyclable at end of life was a key part of the specification. Hoardfast’s quick-fit design meant installation and demount could also be managed with minimal disruption to one of the busiest working sites in the country. One system, doing two jobs, at one of London’s most visited landmarks.

Learn more about Hoardfast Firescreen

© Images Wates / Westgate