🏗️ Case Study: Complete Soft Strip-Out & Interior Demolition of Multi-Storey Office Block in Birmingham City Centre
Client: Hawkstone Developments
Location: Birmingham, West Midlands
Sector: Commercial / Office Refurbishment
Duration: 6 Weeks
Scope of Work: Full internal soft strip, waste removal, and preparation for high-spec refurbishment
Project Overview
In mid-2024, W & S Hire Ltd was contracted by Hawkstone Developments to undertake a full soft strip-out and interior demolition of a five-storey commercial building located in Birmingham’s business district. The building, formerly used as a government office, was being redeveloped into a high-end co-working and serviced office space. The client needed a fast, safe, and cost-effective solution to clear the internal space down to shell condition without compromising the structural elements or adjacent buildings.
The project required working in a live city environment, with strict access limitations and noise restrictions due to surrounding businesses and foot traffic. Additionally, a tight schedule was in place as the refurbishment was due to start immediately after our handover, with other trades scheduled in sequence.
Scope of Works
- Complete soft strip of five floors, including removal of all internal non-structural components
- Disconnection and safe isolation of electrical, mechanical, and data services
- Removal of ceilings, raised access flooring, partitions, stud walls, kitchens, WCs, lighting, and all internal furniture
- Removal and disposal of floor coverings, including glued carpet tiles, vinyl, and wood laminate
- Careful dismantling of non-load-bearing blockwork walls
- Responsible segregation, recycling, and disposal of all waste under full waste transfer documentation
- Dust and noise control systems implemented throughout the project
Challenges Faced
The project site presented several logistical and environmental challenges. Access was limited to a single rear service alley which restricted the movement of skips and equipment. The building had active retail and office units on either side that needed to remain fully operational throughout the project, meaning that vibration, noise, and dust control were absolutely essential.
Several hidden issues were also uncovered during our initial survey and early phases of the project, including the presence of asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) in the boiler room ceiling panels and some floor adhesive layers. As licensed professionals, our team immediately halted demolition in those areas, conducted a full asbestos risk assessment, and arranged for safe removal through one of our accredited partners.
The building’s mechanical systems were outdated and not properly documented, meaning our engineers had to carefully trace and isolate systems manually. We worked in close coordination with the client’s electrical consultant to ensure that all live services were correctly tagged and protected for reconnection post-strip-out.
Execution
Our team of 12 operatives and 2 supervisors mobilised on-site immediately after the pre-demolition survey. After erecting perimeter hoarding and internal dust protection systems, we began the phased floor-by-floor soft strip, starting from the top level and working our way down.
To reduce disruption, large and heavy components were dismantled outside of regular business hours, and waste was loaded into skips in controlled windows with traffic marshals on site. Over the course of the project, we removed more than 60 tonnes of waste, with over 82% of it diverted from landfill through reuse and recycling streams.
Our operatives used low-noise, electric-powered tools and vacuum attachments to minimise dust. All materials containing adhesives or mastics were removed manually and disposed of in accordance with hazardous waste guidelines.
We remained in constant communication with the client and other trades to adjust sequencing and access as needed, ensuring no delays impacted the overall programme.
Outcome
W & S Hire Ltd completed the soft strip-out on time, within the 6-week schedule, and under budget, thanks to efficient sequencing and waste handling. The space was left fully prepared for refurbishment, with all services safely capped and areas cleaned down.
The client was particularly pleased with our flexibility, professionalism, and ability to adapt to unforeseen issues without compromising timelines.
✅ Client Testimonial
“From the first site meeting to the final handover, W & S Hire Ltd were a pleasure to work with. We had a tight programme and a very ambitious schedule, and not only did they hit every milestone—we actually came in slightly under budget.
Their site team was professional, polite, and safety-conscious at all times. They took full ownership of the soft strip and handled unexpected asbestos issues with zero drama or delay. Communication throughout was excellent, and their project manager kept us updated every step of the way.
The quality of the final clean-down and preparation exceeded our expectations, and the refurbishment team were able to begin works immediately after handover without a hitch. We will absolutely be using W & S again on our next round of developments.”
— Tom Harwood, Director, Hawkstone Developments
Why It Matters
This project exemplifies our capability to deliver complex interior demolition and soft strip services in challenging urban environments, while maintaining high standards of safety, sustainability, and client satisfaction. Our approach is always collaborative, and we pride ourselves on offering solutions—not just services.
Whether it’s a city-centre office building or a suburban retail unit, W & S Hire Ltd offers the expertise and resources to complete soft strip and demolition works on time, on budget, and with no surprises.