GEM was first appointed to work on Belfast’s well-known Primark Bank Building store for the retailer’s original programme of work which commenced in January 2018 and saw the iconic store expand into Commonwealth House as part of a major multi-million-pound extension. GEM’s role involved fitting out the store’s merchandising system, both on the main floor and along the walls, as well as fitting out cash desks and wall cladding.
As a city centre location, on-site space severely was limited, so GEM arranged for the project’s free issue kit to be shipped to its out of town warehouse. The team then managed a timely distribution to site on a daily basis to minimise the use of valuable on-site space which would have impacted other trades work. All logistics were managed by GEM who kept updated records of stock, both on-site and in the warehouse, ensuring everything installed was delivered as per the client’s contract drawings or adapted to client changes as required.
Following the dramatic fire in August, which saw Bank Building burn to its shell, GEM returned on site in early November to re-due the work to Primark’s new Commonwealth House extension. The work was completed within a challenging four-week period to allow the store to commence trading on 8 December ready for the important Christmas retail window. As per GEM’s reputation, the quick turnaround project was completed on time and on budget, to the client’s high spec requirements with over 1,000 shoppers eagerly queued outside on opening day.
