by Ann Withanee — December 19, 2011—A total £1.1 million renovation of an iconic landmark that dates back to the 1890s has been completed in England’s historic Stratford. VINCI Facilities has brought new life to the original Pigeons Hotel and Public House, converting it into an apartment building for Sonata Investments Ltd. Pigeons’ roots can be traced back to 1776, although the current building was redesigned by architect Henry Poston in 1898. Virtually all aspects of the building underwent vast rehab.
Following the refurbishment of the ground floor area, including the installation of a new Tesco Express store, VINCI Facilities stripped out upper floor areas together with partitions, roof, windows, and floors while accomplishing extensive structural alterations throughout. The result allowed VINCI to convert the newly created space into nine private one- and two-bedroom apartments, finished with numerous high-quality fixtures and fittings.
Among upscale furnishings, electronic equipment and heating systems were Black Oak Kitchen units with granite work tops, integrated audiovisual technology, state-of-the-art video entry phone equipment, and the latest in underfloor heating systems. Moreover, the apartments come with the option of basement storage areas created in the old drinks cellars.
A temporary roof was installed over the complete building to maintain a fully water tight enclosure, enabling the removal and reconstruction of the roof structure including the installation of a new mezzanine floor, dormer windows, skylights and roof coverings.
Internal fit-out works comprised the installation of new sanitary fixtures to bathrooms and toilet facilities, new high-quality kitchens, worktops and tiling, new oak flooring and carpeting throughout, together with internal decorations.
Plumbing and electrical works involved new service intakes, under-floor heating, new boilers, surround sound installation, door entry systems, lighting and power throughout. External works included restoration works to existing stonework and brickwork, and full redecoration together with remedial work to existing below-ground drainage.
