Commercial Office Fit Out - 41 Lothbury

Commercial Office Fit Out
Written By Olivia Arnould

Client: Main Contractor

Size: 130,000sqft

Appointment: Contractor- Side Commissioning (CxC)

Project Overview
As a Grade II Listed building in the Bank Conservation Area, 41 Lothbury presented an exciting opportunity for our Major Projects division. Built in 1931, this seven-storey office building retains its historic charm, including the ornate banking hall and heritage office spaces on levels 1-3, and has been transformed into an iconic, high-functioning workplace for its new tenants.

Sygna was appointed by the main contractor to provide full MEP commissioning services for the project, which encompasses approximately 130,000 sq ft of office space. The project involved a complete refurbishment of the building, including the replacement and upgrade of MEP services, while carefully preserving its architectural and heritage value.

Sygna’s Added Value

  • Fully structured commissioning delivery process, including witnessing and documentation close-out.

  • Real-time tracking and recording of all MEP commissioning activities.

  • Detailed activity listings for life-safety critical systems.

  • Focused tracking and management of water quality activities.

  • Performance monitoring and management of sub-contractors and specialists.

  • Risk-managed approach to programme completion, including monitoring and close-out planning.

Sygna’s Key Responsibilities

  • Management, witnessing, and close-out of all on-site MEP commissioning activities.

  • Reviewing and tracking test documentation to ensure compliance with required standards and programme deadlines.

  • Liaising with trade contractors and specialists to provide technical guidance and feedback.

  • Coordinating with the Client’s Commissioning Authority (CxA) for seamless validation and certification of witnessing activities.

  • Developing project-specific commissioning plans, procedures, trackers, programmes, and tools to ensure smooth project completion.

  • Identifying commissioning issues and managing their resolution effectively.

Client Feedback – Highlights of Positive Performance

  • Planning and Execution: Weekly commissioning meetings ensured consistent oversight and progress monitoring; diligence kept commissioning on track despite project delays.

  • Stakeholder Management: Effective communication and self-sufficiency facilitated seamless collaboration with clients, directors, and team members.

  • Resource Management: Efficient allocation and utilisation of resources, including managing a double commissioning team and covering staff absences, was praised.

  • Team Performance and Collaboration: Strong collaboration with trade contractors ensured high-quality execution even under challenging circumstances.

  • Documentation and Reporting: Live trackers and project-specific tools supported efficient monitoring, reporting, and streamlined commissioning management.

Outcome
The project successfully modernised 41 Lothbury’s 130,000 sq ft office facilities while preserving its historic character. The structured commissioning approach and proactive project management ensured that MEP systems were delivered to the highest standards. Client feedback highlights the team's effectiveness, diligence, and resourcefulness, demonstrating a strong balance among technical expertise, stakeholder management, and heritage-sensitive delivery.

Olivia Arnould
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