Complete renovation - Tesco Express - Plymouth

Working on behalf of our valued client, Total Design Shopfitting, our team was called to restore a fire-damaged store in Plymouth.

After a significant fire, the site had been mothballed while insurance claims and renovation plans were arranged. Unfortunately, during this period, the damage worsened, with algae growth and rust adding to the effects of the smoke. It was clear that the time had come to transform this neglected store back into a vibrant retail space.

Although our office is based in Havant, Hampshire, our team operates across the South, and arrangements were made for them to stay near the site. Supplies were sourced from the local Dulux Decorator Centre in Plymouth. With a skilled and experienced team, T&H Contract Services was the perfect choice for the painting and decorating phase of this project. Our IPAF-certified team used a scissor lift to safely access the high-level areas for preparation and painting. After clearing away the algae, our operations manager arranged for the scissor lift hire, ensuring our team could efficiently reach the ceiling and beams without the risks associated with using a tower.

We carefully prepared the previously painted surfaces, removing rust and flaky paint, and applied Bedec Multi-Surface paint in satin white to the vertical beams. This water-based, low-VOC product was chosen for its eco-friendly properties and excellent coverage on the old surfaces. Sustainability is a core focus for us, so we use water-based and low-VOC paints wherever practical. The client specified a flame-retardant topcoat in deep grey for the ceiling, creating a striking contrast with the white beams and matching the grey and white merchandise fixtures.

After completing the sales floor, we turned our attention to the back-of-house areas, including the manager’s office and warehouse. We applied Dulux Trade Emulsion in Chiffon White for a crisp, neutral finish. Any stains were treated with Zinsser Cover Stain to ensure full coverage of damaged areas. The external metal stairs were repainted with Dulux Metalshield Gloss Black, with yellow nosings added for safety.

Water damage on the blockwork walls could have been a challenge, but we used stain-blocking aerosol products to easily resolve the issue. With flexible scheduling, our team completed most of the work at night, allowing other trades to fit out the shop during the day and keep the project on track. After finishing all the painting and decorating, we handed the site over for final fit-outs. The store is now fully open and once again serving the Plymouth community.