MAJOR INSTORE RECONFIGURATION PROJECT

Constructed in 2008–2009 over a 58‑week period, Tesco Yardley stands as one of the retailer’s largest Extra stores. Spanning 110,000 sq ft, equivalent to 19 tennis courts, and supported by an expansive mezzanine level, the site represented significant untapped commercial potential.

Following a strategic review, Tesco determined that the main trading floor was sufficient for its operational needs. This created an opportunity to repurpose the mezzanine for a new commercial partner: The Range, the UK’s fastest‑growing value-focused home, leisure, and garden retailer.

CBES Construction was selected to lead the reconfiguration works, capitalising on our extensive experience delivering complex projects in live retail environments. This initiative marked our first major transformation for Tesco at this scale.

Project Scope & Delivery
Under the leadership of Project Manager Richard Davison, CBES undertook a full-scale reconfiguration, including:

• Construction of new ground‑floor retail units to relocate existing mezzanine occupants
• Complete relocation of shelving aisles and frozen departments
• Expansion of the F&F Clothing footprint to enable mezzanine clearance
• Installation of new internal and external signage
• Flooring repairs, polishing, decorating, and staff facility upgrades
• External façade cleaning, car park re‑lining, and infrastructure repairs
• Full refurbishment of PFS areas, including painting and vegetation improvements

Minimising Disruption

Operating 90% of the works overnight to minimise disruption, the team coordinated a complex logistics programme to ensure the store traded normally each morning. A meticulously phased schedule aligned with legal commitments to The Range, allowing the project to be delivered within an 11‑week window.
CBES also provided design input, including structural calculations for new units and innovative solutions such as revised hoarding strategies and programme adjustments for refrigeration teams.

Quality, Safety & Added Value
In addition to our main works we upgraded the building's fire doors and fire stopping to enhance overall safety. Additional goodwill work included environmental enhancements, recycling initiatives, and community support through the redistribution of reusable materials.

Outcome
The project was delivered ahead of schedule with minimal snags and strong feedback from store leadership and regional directors. Tesco has since expressed interest in future collaborations, and the successful integration of The Range is expected to strengthen the site’s long-term commercial performance.