Ridge provided project monitoring and project management services across a four-year programme supporting RH Amar’s major relocation to support their growing business

When RH Amar – one of the UK’s leading ambient grocery distributors and growth partners decided to make the move to a brand new 95,000 sq. ft distribution centre in High Wycombe, they needed more than a consultant. They needed a team they could trust to walk every step of the journey with them.

That’s where Ridge came in. What followed was a four-year relationship spanning two distinct phases – from technical advice before a single steel had been laid through to the handover of a fully fitted-out workplace that the RH Amar team now calls home.

Phase 1: Monitoring Surveyor – pre and post contract

Ridge was appointed as monitoring surveyor during the negotiations with the developer and landlord for the pre-let, supporting RH Amar through the pre-let process by reviewing the proposed designs and providing independent technical advice. This early engagement gave RH Amar the confidence to commit to the development, with assurance that it met its operational requirements.

Ridge continued in the monitoring role throughout the construction stage, carrying out regular quality monitoring inspections and providing technical oversight on the completion and handover of the build.  This ongoing oversight meant the building was being delivered to the agreed specification and appropriate standards, protecting our client’s interests at every stage of the developer’s programme.

Phase 2: Fit-out procurement and project management

Ridge was also appointed to procure, and project manage the Cat B fit-out of the office and welfare accommodation, following handover of the completed distribution centre. From contractor selection and procurement through to on-site delivery and final handover, Ridge led the process end-to-end – transforming the base-build space into a high-quality, fully fitted workplace tailored precisely to RH Amar’s needs.

It has been great working with Rob, Tim and the wider team at RH Amar since the beginning of the project to it’s recent completion, alongside the team at Morgan Lovell who undertook the fit-out. The building offers an amazing space for the business to continue to flourish and provide an incredible environment in which to work and socialise.

 

Chris Kensett, Associate Building Surveyor, Ridge and Partners

The fit out: scope and delivery

The fit-out required extensive works across the ground floor and first floor of the new building, delivering upgraded mechanical and electrical systems, and full CAT B office accommodation, together with an amazing social space that was created beneath the mezzanine office.

Ground floor

The ground floor works were centred on the creation of a new social hub for colleagues and visitors, formed in what was a very uninspiring space with no natural lighting beneath the mezzanine office.  The completed space includes:

• A fully equipped kitchen for colleagues and product demos
• Dining space for 60+ people
• A townhall space for company-wide events
• New toilets and shower facilities
• Breakout spaces
• A wellness room

First floor

On the first floor, the existing CAT A space was transformed into a modern workplace tailored to RH Amar’s requirements. The layout delivered:

• Open-plan office workspace
• Meeting rooms with new audio-visual equipment
• Collaboration spaces
• A coffee & tea stations
• A wellness room

Projects like this are what we do it for. When we first became involved with RH Amar back in 2022, they were at the very start of a significant decision – committing to a new home for their business. To have walked that entire journey with them, from reviewing the initial designs through to handing over a fit-out their whole team can be proud of, is genuinely rewarding. It is a testament to the trust RH Amar placed in us and the design team at Morgan Lovell, and to the dedication of everyone across the Ridge team and our delivery partners who made it happen.

 

Adrian Goulding, Building Surveying Discipline Lead & Partner, Ridge and Partners

A successful outcome for a valued client

The fit-out works have now been handed over, and RH Amar has moved into its new premises. Ridge is proud to have supported this process from start to finish, working closely with RH Amar’s team throughout, alongside the delivery teams responsible for both the new build and the fit-out works. The project demonstrates Ridge’s ability to provide continuity of service across the full lifecycle of a development – from early-stage technical advice and independent monitoring, through to the procurement and management of complex fit-out works. For RH Amar, the result is a modern, purpose-built distribution centre and workplace that positions the business well for continued growth.

We are delighted to have chosen Ridge as our partners for this project, and it’s been a pleasure to work with them. From input into the initial designs, to monitoring both the construction and fit-out, Adrian and Chris have been integral members of the project team over. We found them to be very professional and responsive, combining technical knowledge and practical solutions to help successfully deliver our new home.

 

Rob Amar, Managing Director, RH Amar