A truly remarkable project to be involved with, we were appointed by Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM) to undertake the internal painting and decorating works to B4/B5 Building, Haymarket Edinburgh. In total the £350million development designed by globally renowned architect, Foster + Partners will deliver 380,000sq ft of Grade A office space along with hotel accommodation and retail space. As part of the fit out works to B4/B5 building, we were awarded the internal painting and decorating package. Our works included taping and jointing, preparation and application of decorative and specialist finishes to the two 8-storey office blocks and the striking central atrium covering some 110,000sq ft and including offices, ground floor café facilities, meeting rooms, events space, film studios, break out areas, reception areas, kitchen facilities, corridors and staircores and a bike store area.

The programme was a key driver for this project, therefore we worked closely with SRM to mitigate delays and ensure timely handovers for client inspections. The project required a phase-by-phase handover, which meant collaborative planning with SRM and all other trades on site. This planning ensured our works were scheduled at the correct times, particularly focusing on the detailing works around the Mechanical & Electrical and dry lining packages to meet tight deadlines. We were also able to respond to any project requirements promptly, for example scaling up resources to work overtime at short notice.

Our specialist activities on the project included all taping and jointing works on B4 & B5 Buildings. This covered extensive areas of plasterboard ceilings and walls, as well as intricate ceiling details and curved bulkheads. We implemented a robust system as part of our Quality Inspection and Test Plan (QITP), collaborating with both the boarding contractor and SRM to ensure thorough checks were in place at all stages.

Additional specialist preparations included using a needle gun on steelworks to remove debris before applying coatings, using scissor lifts and spider training to reach challenging areas of up to 30 metres in height, and using vacuum-controlled diamond grinders on concrete floor areas prior to applying anti-slip epoxy coatings.

We also undertook specialist cradle works in the atrium, requiring our operatives to receive on-site training for accessing high-level steelworks within the atrium. The operation required three people to maintain balance and operate the cradle’s motors in tandem. We repainted high-level steelwork, applying two fresh coats of intumescent topcoat after cleaning to remove dirt and dust.

We carried out spraying on galvanised metal soffits, ensuring professional protection for installed M&E services. We used Indasa and masking tape to protect areas such as sprinkler heads and control panels from overspray.

After much careful preparation, our team set about bringing to life the stylish and bold vision for the internal design specification, requiring over 15,000 litres of paint products (85% of which were water-based) across a multitude of different finishes and shades. In addition to ceilings, walls and floors, the paint finishes were applied to a huge range of complex and intricate features such as the acoustic ceiling baffles and the secluded office pods.

More than 14 shades of Johnstone’s Cleanable Matt were used, along with Johnstone’s Perfect Matt, Acrylic Eggshell and Covaplus Vinyl Matt to create stunning internal spaces. Johnstone’s Stormshield Smooth masonry paint was also used in the bike store areas. Brilliant White walls and ceilings created a clean, professional look throughout the new office spaces, complemented by pops of colour to define key areas, ranging from vibrant blues and yellows to pastel greens and pinks.

Overall, the end result was spectacular providing a substantial amount of beautiful yet functional workspaces within the city, to help attract and retain talent. The Haymarket has also positively impacted the community by creating jobs and providing residents and visitors with an inclusive new public space.

Throughout the project, we met all required standards, completing on time and within budget, and providing anticipated benefits for the end user. The project stands as a testament to the power of collaboration and meticulous planning, setting a high standard for future developments.

Now a multi award-winning project, in 2025 the Haymarket won us the coveted ‘Supreme Winner’ title at the annual Johnstone’s Painter of the Year Awards in April. We also achieved a ‘Very Highly Commended’ for the Haymarket project at the Painting and Decorating Association Premier Trophy Awards in July and have been shortlisted as a finalist in the CN Specialists Awards 2025.