Category A Works Spotlight: Preparing Bigg Market’s Hooters Site for Tenant Fit-Out
At the Abbey Group, we specialise in Category A commercial works—stripping back, reconfiguring, and preparing commercial units for incoming tenants. A great example of this is our enabling role in the high-profile redevelopment of the former TJ Hughes unit in Newcastle’s Bigg Market, now home to the city’s new Hooters venue.
Although the final fit-out was handled by a tenant-appointed contractor, we were responsible for delivering a complete Cat A refurbishment, transforming a dated retail space into a modern, compliant shell ready for bespoke fit-out.
What Are Category A Works?
Category A (Cat A) works involve preparing a commercial unit to a landlord or developer standard. This typically includes:
- Full strip-out of existing systems
- Basic finishes to floors, ceilings, and walls
- Mechanical and electrical services up to specification
- Fire safety and access compliance
Our role is to ensure the space is compliant, functional, and ready for tenant-specific fit-out works (Category B).
Project Breakdown: Our Scope of Cat A Works
Working from an existing retail shell, our team completed a full strip-out and enabled the site for tenant-specific alterations. Key aspects of our involvement included:
🔧 Full Internal Strip-Out
We removed all existing mechanical and electrical (M&E) services, escalators, and perimeter shop fittings – returning the space to a clean, bare shell ready for redevelopment.
⚙️ Escalator Removal & Structural Infill
This included the removal of redundant escalators and the infill works required to create a safe and level floor structure for the new layout.
💡 Installation of New Utility Services
To suit the new tenant’s requirements, we installed fresh electric and water supplies, providing a clean and modern utility setup in line with current standards.
💧 Underground Drainage Reconfiguration
A complete overhaul of the drainage system was carried out, including new underground drainage works to suit the revised internal layout of the new unit.
🚪 New External Fire Exit & Ramp
We installed a new fire exit in the external wall to meet modern fire regulations, along with a bespoke access ramp for improved accessibility and compliance.
🛠️ Palisade Fence Alterations
Minor civil works included modifications to the site’s existing palisade fencing, in line with the new site access and operational requirements.
🔥 120-Minute Fire Wall Installation
A key safety feature was the construction of a 120-minute fire-rated wall to divide the former large retail unit into two distinct spaces – one forming the new Hooters site.
A Clean Slate for Fit-Out
Our focus was on delivering a robust, regulation-compliant, and service-ready base build. We did not carry out the internal fit-out, but our enabling works allowed the tenant’s specialist contractors to begin their transformation work on schedule and without issue.
Our work ensured the site was fully fit-out ready, providing the incoming tenant’s contractors with:
- A clean and compliant shell
- Upgraded services and infrastructure
- Clear zones and structural integrity for new layouts
Why Choose the Abbey Group for Cat A Works?
We understand the needs of landlords, asset managers, and commercial developers. Our Cat A refurbishment services are built around:
✅ Minimal disruption
✅ Full compliance with fire, access, and building regs
✅ Timely handover for tenant works
✅ Urban, retail, and leisure sector expertise
Proud to Support City Centre Transformation
This project is a great example of the Category A commercial works we deliver across the region – stripping back, reconfiguring, and preparing retail and leisure spaces for the next phase of their life.
At the Abbey Group, we pride ourselves on working seamlessly with landlords, developers, and future tenants to ensure every unit is future-fit and fit-out ready.
🔗 Looking for a trusted partner to prepare your space for fit-out?
Get in touch with the Abbey Group today to discuss your project.