Commercial
Our commercial Building Control projects encompass a wide range of initiatives tailored to meet the diverse needs of our clients.
Check out some of our projects below.
Wyrley Rose, Walsall Road
Value: £16M
Completion: May 2025
Client: Macc Care
Main Contractor: DC Construction (Midlands) Ltd
Architect: PP Architecture Limited
Structural Engineer: CTS Design Consulting Engineers
Cook Brown Building Control provided Building Control services for the development of a new retirement and care community in Great Wyrley, Staffordshire. The scheme, delivered for Macc Care, includes 32 modern retirement apartments alongside a 90-bedroom care home, creating a purpose-built facility that promotes independent and supported living in a well-designed, high-quality environment.
Working with DC Construction, AP Architecture, and CTS Design Consulting Engineers, our team ensured that all stages of the project were compliant with the Building Regulations. Our involvement supported the delivery of a safe, comfortable, and sustainable care setting for future residents.
Testimonial
“Great Wyrley was one of many contracts where we have used the services of Cook Brown and as is the norm, we received exemplary, thorough and professional service throughout the works. Its inspectors always become an invaluable team member and work with us to ensure we achieve our demanding quality standards.”
Grahame Wiggin, Construction Manager
Westex House
Value: £500,000
Completion: March 2025
Client: EJ McGrath Construction
Overview
Cook Brown Building Control provided Building Control services on the successful delivery of Westex House, a new commercial development comprising four terraced industrial and warehouse units in Bristol. Each unit was designed to accommodate flexible industrial use, with an eaves height of 6.7 metres rising to 8.2 metres. The development includes power-floated floors with a 30 kN/m² loading capacity, one ground-level electric loading door per unit, and two allocated car parking spaces for each unit. The scheme has also been designed to allow for the future installation of a mezzanine floor, offering adaptability to meet occupier requirements. Delivered as part of EJ McGrath Construction’s own office expansion, the project reflects the company’s commitment to creating high-spec, self-built commercial space.
Testimonial
“Having used Cook Brown Building Control for a number of years, we engaged them again when it came to build our own commcerial units as our new office.
As usual they were a pleasure to deal with, with any site requests or questions quickly dealt with.
No hesitation of recommending Cook Brown Building Control for all build control requirements.”
Liam McGrath, Director
Left-Handed Giant, Bristol
Client: Left-Handed Giant Ltd
We were appointed for Building Control services on the fit out of the historic Compressor Building at Finzels Reach in Bristol City Centre. Already rich with brewing history the Compressor Building was transformed into a new home for successful brewing company, Left-Handed Giant.
Works included the creation of a new bar, restaurant facilities and ancillary accommodation and is set over three floors. The brewpub is instantly-recognisable with its large open front that overlooks the iconic Floating Harbour.
For more information about the Left-Handed Giant, click here.
Oxford Technology Park
Value: £90,000,000
Cook Brown Building Control provided Building Control Services for the Oxford Technology Park project, located at the heart of Oxfordshire’s rapidly expanding Knowledge Economy spine. The development totals 400,000 sq ft and offers the next generation of office, R&D, laboratory, and production space for science-based occupiers.Beyond providing the latest facilities, the 11 new-build units also feature communal spaces where Science and Technology business communities can form, collaboration can be cultivated, and innovation can thrive.We actively assisted the Design Team through early engagement, helping to develop the proposals. Through close collaboration, we ensured any design issues were quickly identified and solutions swiftly found. This
proactive approach continued throughout the build, with timely inspections arranged to assist the Site Team in bringing the Client’s brief to life.
Cook Brown’s Principal Building Control Surveyor, AndrewPearson, noted at the time:
“It is a privilege to be part of the team at Oxford Technology Park and witnessing the development of the high technology buildings suitable for a range of Research & Development, Laboratory, Office and Production uses. Our early engagement with the design team has ensured the scheme has progressed pretty seamlessly through the Building Control process and the client and their teams should be commended for the scheme they have created. We look forward to seeing the complex thrive’’
Bennetts Farm and Food, Worcester
Client: Bennetts Farm & Food LTD
Bennetts Farm & Food embarked on an exciting project to enhance its facilities by constructing a new visitor centre. At Cook Brown, we provided Building Control services for this project. The new building, designed to serve multiple purposes, houses a café, a function room, and classrooms. These spaces are primarily used for weddings and local craft groups, offering a versatile and welcoming environment for various events and community activities.
Sustainability
The new visitor centre at Bennetts Farm & Food emphasises sustainability by incorporating renewable heating sources and a unique wall constructed using straw bales. These eco-friendly features not only reduce the building’s carbon footprint but also demonstrate a commitment to sustainable construction practices.
Surveyor Focus
Achieving compliance with thermal and fire requirements was crucial to the success of the project. Our goal was to ensure that the new visitor centre met all necessary regulations while maintaining high standards of safety and energy efficiency.
Our Approach
We adopted a collaborative approach, working closely with the client, architect, and contractors to achieve a compliant scheme.
Key Challenges
The fire safety design posed considerable challenges due to the intricate nature of the building’s layout and intended uses. However, through our active participation in design and site meetings, we successfully addressed these challenges and achieved compliance.
For more information on Bennetts Farm and Food, click here.
Bocabar, Bristol
Client: Bocabar Ltd
This project entailed a fit out of the ground floor of the existing building to create a new home for a popular Bristol bar/restaurant, Bocabar. The existing building is a historic Fermentation Building that is now set in the heart of the city’s Finzels Reach development.
Nisbets, Nationwide
Client: Nisbets Plc
We have been working with Nisbets Plc for a number of years providing a wide range of Building Control services for a diverse projects including their Central Distribution Warehouse, Regional Warehouses and Retail Units nationwide, with construction costs ranging from £50k to £3m. To ensure an efficient and effective turnaround of projects, we maintain in regular communication and ensure Plan Report Assessments are prepared promptly at the pre-tender stage.
Slaters Menswear
Client: Slaters Menswear Slaters.co.uk
Cook Brown Building Control provided building control services on Slaters Menswear’s significant refurbishment project, ensuring all works complied with the latest regulations and safety standards. The leading UK retailer, known for its wide range of men’s fashion, undertook a comprehensive upgrade to modernise its store and enhance the customer experience.
The project involved stripping out old fixtures, escalators, wiring, and lighting, which was managed by the landlord. New LED lighting and upgraded electrical systems were installed to meet the latest specifications. A new air conditioning system was also introduced to provide efficient heating and cooling. Additionally, the landlord refurbished existing lifts, installed new escalators, and
replaced windows. The design layout for the store was expertly crafted by Dynamic Retail Solutions Ltd in collaboration with Slater Menswear.
The successful completion of Slaters Menswear’s refurbishment project not only moderniswwwed the store but also ensured it met the latest safety and building regulations. Cook Brown Building Control’s diligent oversight played a crucial role in delivering a project that was both compliant and aligned with the client’s vision for a refreshed and contemporary retail space. The upgraded store now provides an enhanced shopping experience for customers, reflecting Slaters Menswear’s commitment to quality and innovation.
