Virgin Active Shower & Locker Room Refurbishments
In recent years Virgin Active have undertaken a programme of shower and locker room refurbishments. wdl were chosen to produce and implement highly detailed specifications. All work was carried out in phases while the areas remained in use.
Leisure – Virgin Active
wdl has a long and successful history with Virgin. In 1990 we redesigned the Virgin Games Centres, rolling out 30 stores while driving costs down by 25 per cent. We then undertook both concept and detailed design work for several Virgin Megastores before developing a new mid-sized Megastore concept used throughout the UK.
wdl also has a longstanding relationship with Virgin Active, from the very beginning in 1998 when we co designed their health club concept, which has now evolved into a familiar brand throughout the UK, South Africa, Europe and Asia. We have since completed scores of successful projects with Virgin Active, both for new sites and conversions, as well as rebranding and refitting the Esporta and Holmes Place clubs now within the UK estate. We continue to provide a detailed design service on a variety of projects.
Retail – Hamleys Regent Street
London Flagship Store
wdl was first engaged by Hamleys in 2000 to completely remodel the interior space of their world famous, seven-storey toy shop. This remagicalisation included an overhead model railway, a talking book, animated displays and demo areas.
This technically complex project involved significant structural changes to create a new shop layout. More than 50 franchisees & suppliers were refurbished, renewed or relocated in the new arrangement. The project was carried out in several phases, closing only half of each floor in sequence while the store continued to trade successfully.
Retail – Superquinn Supermarkets
“I have worked with wdl Interior Architects for many years and the results have always been exciting designs (often squeezed into the budget by the cleverest means), great customer feedback and higher sales. wdl know how to execute ideas in a cost effective way”. Simon Burke, Chairman, Superquin.
The stores are named Superquinn; morphing the founders name with the store type; to form a well known and highly successful supermarket chain. wdl began working with Superquinn following changes in the law which had once restricted the size of stores. With the removal of this constraint supermarket competition increased and Superquinn recognised they had to respond.
wdl were chosen to implement a new store design and concept
Hospitality – Casino Red
wdl was chosen to work with Casino Red in developing their first reality casino. Having ventured into online gambling at an early stage, Casino Red were an established virtual casino before deciding to invest in the real world.
A long derelict cinema in the centre of Huddersfield was converted to form gaming floors, bars and a restaurant across four main floors and balconies. Remnants of plasterwork around the circle balcony and proscenium arch were retained, along with the heavily coffered auditorium ceiling in this Listed building.
wdl were appointed as designers for the new concept and interior architects for construction work, interior design and complicated approvals process.
Hospitality – Leeds University Students’ Union
Leeds University Students’ Union
wdl Interior Architects were selected from a design competition to revitalise the Leeds University Students’ Union buildings, some of the largest in the UK, with award winning facilities.
The design and build project was carried out in the summer recess, working to a fixed budget in partnership with a local fit out contractor.
The reception and bar receive up to 25,000 visits a day during term time, and the design had to reflect this. The terrace bar was remodelled to include a longer serving counter, more booth and bench seating and variable lighting options for day and night time events.