This month’s edition of The Brief follows part of a large-scale pre-construction enabling works package at a commercial site in South Oxfordshire, tracking how the building is being opened up and prepared ahead of refurbishment.
Before Works Commenced: Asbestos Surveys
Before any strip-out works took place, RJS Waste Management were appointed to carry out asbestos surveys. This formed the first step in the pre-construction process, ensuring that any asbestos-containing materials would be identified if present and appropriately managed before enabling works began.
Only once the survey findings had been reviewed did physical works on site commence.
Day One on Site: Setting the Programme in Motion
The site was initially presented as a fully fitted-out commercial environment. Finishes were still in place, ceilings remained closed and services were contained within the existing layout. Before refurbishment could progress, those layers needed to be carefully stripped back to expose the structure, services and constraints beneath.
At the outset of the works, the RJS team began a large-scale strip-out across three levels of the building. Floor coverings, partitions and ceilings were progressively removed, with mechanical and electrical systems scheduled to follow as the building was opened up in a controlled, planned sequence.
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Ceiling Voids Opened to Expose Mechanical Services
Work progressed methodically across the building, with ceilings opened across extensive areas of the floorplate. As ceiling voids were exposed, long-concealed ductwork and mechanical services came into view, allowing the true arrangement of the building to be clearly understood.
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Floor Finishes Removed to Reveal Service Routes
With overhead services exposed, floor finishes were lifted in sequence across wide sections of Level 2 and adjoining areas. Service routes, access points and interfaces were revealed, supporting coordination as works continued. Rather than focusing on isolated rooms, activity moved across multiple areas and levels to establish consistency.
Kitchenettes and WC Areas Stripped Back to Substrate
Kitchenettes and WC blocks were stripped back to substrate, storage and ancillary spaces cleared, and partitions removed. As each area was opened up, the building transitioned from a finished commercial environment into a space that could be assessed, coordinated and prepared as a whole.
Managing Materials at Scale
Externally, the scale of the works was reflected in the planned removal of materials in volume, managed in parallel with the strip-out programme. Waste was segregated at source, with insulation, ceiling materials, ductwork, metalwork and other arisings separated as works progressed.
Both hazardous and non-hazardous waste streams were handled safely, legally and compliantly, with materials removed in planned loads via licensed waste transfer facilities and full documentation maintained throughout.
The Building as Works Progressed
As works progressed, large sections of the building became open, legible and accessible. Services were exposed, layouts were clear and consistent conditions were established across wide areas of the floorplate, providing a solid platform for the next stage of works.
Works Completed to Date
Why Choose RJS Waste Management Ltd for Commercial Enabling Works
✅ Integrated delivery covering strip-out, asbestos and hazardous waste management
✅ Enabling works structured to suit large, live commercial programmes
✅ Waste segregation at source with safe, legal removal via licensed waste transfer facilities
✅ Full documentation and traceability maintained throughout the project lifecycle
Looking Ahead
Further enabling and preparatory works are continuing on site. Due to the scale of the overall programme, this series will continue to explore different elements of the enabling works in future editions of The Brief.
At this scale, early enabling works involve opening the building up across wider areas, establishing consistent conditions that support the stages that follow.
RJS Waste Management UK Ltd
Commercial strip-out • Asbestos removal • Hazardous waste management • Site clearance
📜 Certified by Centre for Assessment Ltd, a UKAS-accredited Certification Body (No. 0120), to ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and ISO 45001.
🌐 www.rjswastemanagement.co.uk 📧 info@rjswastemanagement.co.uk
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Images and video: © RJS Waste Management UK Ltd
