Transforming Riverside into a Flexible Commercial Hub

Advanced Commercial Interiors completed the Riverside Fit-Out project in Derby, delivering a full refurbishment and reconfiguration of a large multi-functional commercial building across both ground and first floor levels.  

The works transformed the existing layout into a modern, flexible environment incorporating conference facilities, breakout areas, café spaces, offices and support rooms. The project included extensive strip out works, structural alterations, HVAC, electrical, plumbing and ventilation works, as well as new lighting, power and data infrastructure to support the revised layout.  

ACI also delivered a new mezzanine floor, platform lift and feature staircase to improve accessibility and maximise usable floor space. External upgrades were completed as part of the wider scheme, including new fire escape stairs, DDA access improvements and bespoke joinery.  

The completed fit-out created a more practical and adaptable commercial environment, bringing together conference rooms, café and breakout areas, circulation spaces, support rooms and upgraded facilities within one coordinated refurbishment package.

The brief was to refurbish and reconfigure the existing Riverside building to create a flexible commercial space across two floors.

The project required the removal of existing non-supporting walls, floor finishes, ceiling tiles, kitchen equipment, an existing steel staircase, and selected power, data, lighting and plumbing items to prepare the building for the new layout.  

Structural works were required to alter the existing building, including the removal of load-bearing walls, installation of new steels, creation of new openings, stair-related alterations, and floor infill following removal of the existing staircase.  

The new layout needed to support a wide range of uses, including a main hall, café and lobby, kitchen, creche room, conference rooms, audio room, green room, first floor toilets, DDA toilet and shower room, breakout room, corridors, stores and service areas.  

In addition to the internal layout changes, the project required mechanical, electrical and ventilation upgrades, new suspended ceilings, flooring, joinery, decoration, door and frame works, toilet facilities, café counter installation, a platform lift, mezzanine floor and external access improvements.

The project floor plan set out the reconfigured Riverside layout across the building, showing the relationship between the main hall, conference rooms, support rooms, toilets, café areas, circulation routes, stairs and lift.

The plan identified a series of conference spaces, including Conference Rooms 1, 2 and 3 on one side of the layout and Conference Rooms 4, 5, 6 and 7 on the opposite side. It also showed dedicated support spaces including a green room, audio room, services area, toilets, disabled toilet, lift, staircase, breakout area and additional rooms linked by the central corridor.

The CAD plan also included key construction notes and a colour-coded legend covering existing partitions, different types of new stud walls, shaft walls, wall construction taken to suspended ceiling height, wall construction taken to underside of steelwork, new steels, new structural columns, existing structural columns and existing structural walls.

This drawing helped coordinate the refurbishment works by mapping the new room layouts, wall types, access points, circulation routes and structural elements before installation. It provided a clear basis for delivering the conference, support, access and welfare spaces as part of one coordinated fit-out.

The completed Riverside Fit-Out delivered a modernised commercial building with a refreshed main hall, upgraded conference facilities, café and breakout areas, support rooms, toilets and improved access between floors.

The main hall was transformed into a large multi-functional space with round table seating, presentation screens, AV equipment, lighting and staging provision. The completed project photos show the finished hall arranged for events, with a clean, open layout and integrated presentation facilities.

The café and breakout areas were completed with a new café counter, seating areas, booth-style seating, decorative lighting, wall finishes, flooring and bespoke joinery. The finished images show a more welcoming informal space with café provision, loose seating, upholstered bench seating and breakout-style furniture.

The building also received upgraded access and welfare facilities, including the new platform lift, improved staircase access, first floor toilet areas, DDA toilet and shower room provision, new doors and refreshed circulation areas.

By combining strip out, structural alterations, mezzanine and lift works, partitions, ceilings, flooring, joinery, M&E upgrades, decoration and external access improvements, ACI delivered a complete refurbishment package that changed the building into a more flexible and functional commercial environment.