The Royal Exchange was founded in the 16th Century. The Grade I listed building features an imposing eight-column entrance, inspired by the Pantheon in Rome, and is now a luxury destination offering boutique shopping and dining.

BSPS were called upon for their expertise in historic buildings when the site needed refurbishment. The work had to be split into four sections: the mezzanine, the courtyard, the staircase and the basement.

For the mezzanine, the team stripped out the old restaurant areas and provided new raised access floors and services ready for the new Fortnum & Mason kitchen. In the courtyard, the old bar and furniture was removed along with the old floor tiles. The underfloor heating was repaired and stunning new stone flooring and services for the new bar and restaurant were installed.

The staircases had to be completely removed and were replaced with beautifully made curved stone and ‘PVD Almond Gold’ stainless steel. The new stairs were designed and built off site using 3D modelling and the stone was manufactured and transported from Portugal.

The building remained occupied throughout the work and the team worked at night, to very tight deadlines to ensure minimal disruption.