Project Overview

Client: Thurston Veterinary Centre (via Feilden + Mawson Architects)

Location: Thurston, Suffolk

Project Value: £187,000

Bespoke Construction Group (BCG) was appointed by acclaimed architects Feilden + Mawson to deliver a comprehensive renovation and fit-out of the Thurston Veterinary Centre. The mission was to transform the existing premises into a modern, compliant clinical environment. This project required a sophisticated balance between high-end aesthetic finishes and the rigid technical demands of a medical facility, all while ensuring the practice could remain operational during the transformation.

Project Scope

1. Internal Refurbishment & Reconfiguration

The project involved extensive demolition and structural reconfiguration to optimise the building’s layout. This created dedicated zones for:

  • New clinical treatment rooms and consultation areas.
  • Specialist imaging spaces (X-ray and dental).
  • Upgraded staff facilities and client waiting areas.

2. Specialist Clinical Provisions

Specific focus was placed on the technical requirements of veterinary medicine. This included the installation of lead-lined partitioning for X-ray rooms and specialised dental imaging areas, ensuring full compliance with healthcare safety standards.

3. Mechanical & Electrical (M&E) Upgrades

A full overhaul of the building’s infrastructure was conducted, including:

  • Advanced ventilation and drainage systems tailored for clinical hygiene.
  • Upgraded lighting and emergency systems.
  • Modernised electrical distribution to support specialist medical equipment.

4. High-Standard Finishes & Compliance

All internal finishes were selected for durability and ease of sterilisation. The works were delivered in strict accordance with current fire safety, electrical, and building regulations, ensuring a future-ready commercial environment.

Challenges and Solutions

Challenge 1: Working in a Live Clinical Environment

Maintaining the safe, daily operation of a veterinary practice during a major renovation is a significant logistical hurdle. Disruption to sensitive medical services and animal patients had to be kept to an absolute minimum.

Solution

BCG implemented a meticulous sequencing strategy. By phasing the construction works and coordinating closely with the practice staff, we managed to isolate construction zones, ensuring that high-quality veterinary care could continue uninterrupted throughout the build.

Challenge 2: Technical Compliance and Precision

Clinical environments demand higher precision than standard commercial fit-outs, particularly regarding radiation protection and infection control.

Solution

Our team worked to the exacting specifications provided by Feilden + Mawson, ensuring every element—from the specialised drainage to the X-ray shielding—met or exceeded healthcare standards. This was achieved through rigorous quality control and programme management.

The Outcome

The project has successfully delivered a clean, efficient, and modern veterinary facility that significantly enhances both staff workflow and the client experience. By modernising the infrastructure and refining the spatial layout, the Thurston Veterinary Centre is now equipped with a future-proof environment that supports the highest standards of clinical care.

This fit-out demonstrates BCG’s ability to handle technically complex refurbishments within live environments, delivering on time and within budget while maintaining the high-specification finish expected of a premier veterinary practice.