Transforming a heritage trading space into a modern, multi-purpose community and events hub with zero disruption to daily trade.
CLIENT: Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council
SECTOR: Commercial & Leisure / Local Authority
VALUE: ÂŁ743k
CONTRACT TYPE: JCT Design & Build
Project overview
Zero Trader Downtime: Maintained uninterrupted daily market trading throughout the entire renovation, protecting local business livelihoods.
Power & Infrastructure Expansion: Upgraded electrical power systems to easily support high-capacity modern events and commercial appliances.
Custom Structural Solutions: Corrected uneven floor levels using custom welding and strengthened foundation supports.
High Quality Standard: Earned a 97% satisfaction score across the project.
Community Employment: Partnered with Buildforce (a national initiative helping military veterans enter construction) and hired local workers into permanent roles.
The Challenge
Funded through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council set out to transform the historic Bedworth Indoor Market into an adaptable community venue featuring a ÂŁ250,000 multi-purpose event space, digital screen, and a 63-square-metre covered dining area.
The primary objective was completing extensive structural and electrical upgrades inside an active building without affecting local commerce or public safety. Initial surveys highlighted key requirements: expanding legacy electrical systems to power high-capacity event equipment, evening out original floor levels, and safely managing high-ceiling installation work.
Our Approach & Innovation
1. Phased Electrical Expansion To safely support high-capacity sound, lighting, and kitchen equipment, the project team engineered a phased power distribution plan. By temporarily rerouting electricity during peak trading hours, engineers isolated and upgraded main electrical panels without interrupting power to market stalls.
2. Custom Structural Engineering
- Floor Levelling: Corrected uneven floor planes through precision welding and deeper reinforced concrete foundation supports.
- Custom Wall Panels: Hand-fitted decorative aluminum wall panels on-site to ensure precise alignment and preserve the premium bronze aesthetic.
- Weather Protection: Installed fire-retardant protective sheeting over the exterior steel frame to shield the building from weather during construction.
3. Live-Environment Safety & Communication Site managers established designated safety zones and clear walkways. Heavy material deliveries, high-ceiling work, and noisy tasks were strictly scheduled around peak trading hours to keep the market fully operational and safe for visitors.
Sustainability & Social Value
Local Hiring: Transitioned agency staff into permanent employment and created career opportunities for military veterans.
Building Preservation: Restored the building’s historic central clock and retained the main steel frame, significantly lowering environmental impact compared to a new build.
Eco-Friendly Finishes: Applied low-pollutant, environmentally friendly spray coatings to structural steelwork.
Client Testimonial
“Stepnell’s collaborative approach throughout the Bedworth Market refurbishment was key to its success. Managing complex structural and electrical upgrades while keeping our local market operational was no small feat. Their team delivered an exceptionally high standard of work, maintaining transparent communication and leaving us with a modern, vibrant venue that our traders and community can be proud of for years to come.”
Market Project Lead / Client Representative, Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council
