BT Adastral Park

Ipswich

Commercial Sector

8 weeks

£500k

Project Highlights:

Delivered on Time and Within Budget – Despite working on a live, operational site with a tight programme, Situ Construction completed all internal fit-out works, including bespoke joinery, carpentry, and electrical installations, on schedule and within budget, ensuring minimal disruption to BT staff.
Durable, Sustainable, High-Traffic Solutions – Careful selection of materials for joinery, finishes, and flooring ensured long-lasting performance, ease of maintenance, and environmental sustainability, supporting BT’s commitment to durability and reduced replacement cycles.
Seamless Integration and Safety – Complex challenges, including integrating electrical installations into new joinery and adjusting floor levels, were expertly managed. The fit-out incorporated ramps, protective trims, and safety finishes, delivering a safe, accessible, and visually cohesive environment.

The Challenge:

As part of BT’s ambitious Better Workplace Programme at Adastral Park in Ipswich, our team was tasked with delivering a comprehensive internal refit across several key areas, including joinery, painting and decorating, soft flooring, and tea point tiling. This redevelopment was part of a 250-acre transformation of BT’s headquarters, set within landscaped grounds near Martlesham Heath, and was delivered in partnership with our long-standing client.

The project included the removal of existing fittings, the installation of a new Cleantech ceiling in the café kitchen, and complete joinery works, including the supply and installation of the hot plate and lamp in the café and refreshment areas on each of the six floors as well as painting and decorating throughout.

In parallel, our sister company, Veatu Flooring, delivered a bespoke flooring package. All new floor finishes were installed across dining areas, breakout spaces, and the café, with careful subfloor preparation to ensure a seamless, safe, and durable result.

Working on a live operational site presented several challenges. The project had to be completed within a tight 8-week timeframe, requiring temporary dining facilities to maintain services and careful scheduling of works out of hours to minimise disruption to BT staff. Health and safety were paramount, with restricted access managed through barriers and clear signage. Supply chain management was also critical, as some materials were sourced internationally. Despite these constraints, the team successfully adhered to the programme, ensuring all upgraded spaces were ready to welcome BT employees on schedule.

The Solution:

Situ Construction approached the project with a focus on thoughtful design, engineering, and close collaboration to deliver a high-quality internal refit. Working alongside the architects, the team ensured that all joinery and fit-out elements reflected the intended aesthetic vision while remaining practical and durable.

All works were carefully scheduled within the programme to minimise disruption and promote effective collaboration. Sustainable materials were selected throughout the project to provide long-lasting performance, reduce maintenance, and support BT’s environmental goals. Flooring, joinery, and surface finishes were chosen for their durability, ease of care, and low environmental impact.

The Results:

The project was delivered on time and within budget, with minimal disruption to staff. By using durable, sustainable, and low-maintenance materials, we ensured the new flooring and joinery will withstand high traffic for years to come, supporting BT’s sustainability goals.

The result was modern, safe, and functional dining and breakout spaces, delivered to a happy client who could confidently welcome staff back to upgraded facilities, knowing the finishes would remain attractive, practical, and long-lasting.

To overcome the challenges of working in a live headquarters environment, our team followed a detailed programme that prioritised minimising disruption, maintaining safety, and meeting deadlines. Temporary dining facilities were provided to keep staff amenities operational throughout, while installations were scheduled out of hours to avoid interfering with BT’s day-to-day activities.

When unforeseen issues arose during the uplift, such as the discovery of large electrical chases beneath the subfloor, we acted quickly with practical solutions and additional materials to reinforce the base. This ensured the new carpet and vinyl finishes would perform reliably in high-traffic areas and provide long-term durability, reducing the need for early replacement and supporting BT’s sustainability goals.

Collaboration was key. We worked closely with our client, the architects, and our sister company Veatu Flooring to deliver a coordinated flooring and joinery package. Situ’s bespoke serving counters in the café and Digital Industries Innovation Hub were designed with both aesthetics and function in mind, helping to create inviting, modern spaces for staff.