NEXT

The Brief

NEXT appointed Ben Johnson Interiors to deliver a full CAT A & B fit-out and furniture package for their new canteen, restaurant and training centre, transforming a vacant two-storey concrete shell into a modern, high-performance employee facility.

Located within a secure, operational business park, the project required careful planning to minimise disruption to neighbouring occupiers. Strict controls around access, noise and deliveries were essential, alongside full compliance with site protocols.

The brief also included the integration of a fully commercial kitchen, large-scale training spaces and supporting back-of-house facilities—with the canteen and kitchen fit-outs and training facility fit outs creating a destination that enhances employee wellbeing, collaboration and day-to-day operations.

Sector: Office
Location: Leicester
Date: 2025
Size: 18000 sqft (Phased)
Duration: 15 weeks

The Solution

Acting as Principal Contractor, we delivered a fully coordinated solution, working closely with NEXT’s internal team and multiple client-nominated specialists. Clear communication, weekly reporting and milestone tracking ensured seamless collaboration and proactive risk management throughout.

To maintain operational continuity within the live business park, we implemented mandatory site inductions and carefully scheduled out-of-hours deliveries, ensuring zero disruption to surrounding businesses.

The internal layout was designed to balance functionality and user experience. Four large training rooms were created using a combination of solid and glazed acoustic partitions, maintaining natural light flow while enhancing sound control. Supporting office and back-of-house areas were delivered to ensure operational efficiency.

A key feature of the project was the installation of a fully commercial kitchen, incorporating walk-in fridge-freezers, specialist stainless-steel equipment and large-scale extraction systems. This required complex coordination of roof penetrations and structural elements.

In the restaurant space, we embraced an industrial aesthetic by exposing all new M&E services. The soffit and services were sprayed in a warm caramel tone, creating a cohesive design feature that complements the space.

High-quality, durable finishes were specified throughout, including non-slip vinyl and Whiterock wall systems in the kitchen for hygiene compliance, alongside timber wall features, sage tiling and oak-effect LVT flooring to introduce warmth and texture. Acoustic treatments were integrated into open-plan areas to enhance comfort.

The project also required agile delivery from our furniture team. Initially appointed for restaurant furniture only, the scope expanded at short notice to include full training and workstation furniture. Our team successfully delivered this within one week, maintaining programme and budget.

Significant building challenges were overcome, including collapsed drainage, inadequate gas and electrical supplies, and uneven floor levels. We coordinated specialist trades to reinstate services, repair drainage infrastructure and level floors through scarifying and screeding, ensuring a high-quality finish throughout.

The Finished Project

The completed facility delivers a vibrant, high-performing environment that supports employee wellbeing, training and collaboration.

From a fully equipped commercial kitchen and welcoming restaurant space to flexible, acoustically optimised training rooms, every element from the canteen and kitchen fit-outs and training facility fit outs has been designed and delivered to enhance the user experience.

Despite the complexities of working within a live business park and overcoming legacy building challenges, the project was delivered on programme through proactive coordination, technical expertise and a commitment to quality.

The result is a standout employee facility that not only meets operational demands but elevates the everyday experience for NEXT’s teams.

“When NEXT needed a trusted contractor, I recommended Ben Johnson Interiors based on past experience. They didn’t disappoint. Their proactive approach and ability to resolve complex legacy issues impressed the team, and NEXT will be recommending them for future projects”.

George Frost

Regional PM, NEXT

The Brief

The Solution

The Finished Project

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