Following an increase in the number of commuters coming to Norfolk from other parts of the country, many local businesses have invested in the services those visitors demand – one of those is the Station Hotel on Riverside Road in Norwich. The hotel reopened its doors this week after BMA carried out a five month, £700,000 refurbishment of the building.
Thanks to our background of working in the property management industry, we were able to take on all aspects of the work. Having completely gutted the interiors, our skilled operatives were then able to carry out work to:
- Plastered throughout the building
- Decorate internally and externally, including 18 ensuite bedrooms and all communal areas
- Complete installation of a new plumbing system, including the installation of 17 bathrooms
- Complete re-wire of the entire building
- Fitting of carpets throughout the building
- Replacement of windows, where required
- Installation of furniture
- Replacement of existing roof structure
In addition to that we also arranged for new signage to be fitted and a new aerial installed. This was a massive project and one that brought together all of the services we can offer. Last week we told you about the expansion of our service and this is an example of our capabilities.
Improved Commuter Links Bringing New Visitors
Those people who live in East Anglia are all too aware of what a fantastic place it is to live. In recent years the local economy has gone from strength to strength – mainly off the back of strong engineering and offshore energy sectors. However, for commuters and those looking to do business from outside the area, the region’s poor transport links have always been off-putting.
For decades the people of East Anglia have campaigned for improvements to be made to road and rail links with the rest of the country. Now, after years of holdups and setbacks, real progress appears to be forthcoming.
- A47: With connections to the midlands and the North on one side and shipping routes to continental Europe on the other, the A47 is one of the country’s most strategic routes. Yet those that use the road have struggled for many years, with the largely single carriageway causing journeys to be slow and unreliable.
- A11: As one of the key roads from Norfolk, through Suffolk and Essex, and into the capital, the A11 is a vital route for commuters to London and vice versa. As with the A47 however, the largely single carriageway has long caused a headache for motorists.
- East Coast Main Line: This rail link, which runs direct from Norwich to London, has long been under-funded. With commuters left to rely on old rolling stock and unreliable trains, journeys are regularly delayed or cancelled.
To overcome these issues, the government has invested heavily in East Anglian infrastructure in recent years. In December 2014, final works on a £105 million scheme to dual the A11 were completed, whilst plans are underway for similar work to be completed on the A47. On the East Coast Main Line, the government has also outlined ambitious plans which would see the next franchise holders required to invest in new rolling stock and reduce journey times from two hours to ninety minutes.
These improvements have given the local economy a significant shot in the arm. It is estimated that for every £1 invested in the project to upgrade the A11, £17 is generated for the local economy. With major cities, such as Norwich, now easily accessible from the midlands and the south, there is an increased demand for short term lets and commuters – something that businesses like the Station Hotel are only too happy to provide.
If you would like more information about any of our property refurbishment services, do not hesitate to contact us. You can call us on 01603 400084 or drop us an email to info@bmaspecialistcoatings.co.uk.