Camberwell BYSS Camberwell

Project Overview
BYSS Camberwell involved the construction of a new shell and core self storage facility at Southampton Way, London SE5. The development comprises a five-storey building including a basement, ground floor and three upper floors, providing a total gross internal area of 62,299 sq ft. The primary structure includes a piled reinforced concrete basement with a steel frame superstructure above. The external envelope is predominantly brickwork with areas of cladding and curtain walling. Core areas were formed to accommodate vertical circulation, including goods and passenger lifts, alongside stair enclosures. Associated external works were delivered to complete the development within its urban context.

Project Requirements
The client required the delivery of a new-build shell and core self storage facility capable of supporting future retail storage operations. Key objectives included maximising floor area across multiple levels while integrating basement accommodation and efficient vertical circulation. The building needed to provide robust structural and envelope solutions appropriate for long-term operational use. External works, including hard and soft landscaping, were required to integrate the development with its surroundings. The project was to be delivered within a defined programme in a constrained urban environment.

Glencar’s Role
Glencar was appointed as main contractor to deliver the shell and core construction of the new self storage facility, coordinating all works through to completion and handover.

Responsibilities included:
- Overall construction management and site coordination
- Construction of piled reinforced concrete basement
- Delivery of steel frame superstructure
- Construction of building envelope including brickwork, cladding and curtain walling
- Formation of cores, staircases and lift shafts
- Management of external works and landscaping
- Programme, quality and health and safety management

Scope of Works
Enabling Works / Civils & Infrastructure
- Site set-up and enabling activities
- Piling works for basement construction
- Coordination of incoming services

Building / Superstructure
- Reinforced concrete basement construction
- Steel frame superstructure
- Brickwork facades with cladding and curtain walling
- Single ply roof system
- Stair cores and lift shafts

Fit-Out & Building Services
- Shell and core internal works
- Formation of core partitions
- Goods and passenger lift installations

External Works & Landscaping
- Hard landscaping
- Soft landscaping
- External access arrangements

Technical & Delivery Challenges
The construction of a multi-storey building with a piled reinforced concrete basement required careful sequencing and coordination of groundworks and superstructure activities. Delivering the steel frame above the basement structure demanded precise interface management to maintain programme certainty. The predominantly brickwork façade, combined with cladding and curtain walling elements, required close coordination between trades to achieve a consistent external appearance. Working within a constrained urban site necessitated careful planning of logistics and material deliveries, alongside the integration of external works to complete the development.

Delivery Conditions Addressed
- Constrained urban site
- Multi-storey new-build construction
- Basement construction
- Complex structural interfaces
- Shell and core delivery
- Programme-driven delivery

The Outcome
The completed BYSS Camberwell development delivers a substantial, purpose-built shell and core self storage facility within a prominent London location. The multi-storey arrangement and integrated basement maximise site utilisation while providing a flexible structure capable of accommodating future fit-out. Robust construction, efficient circulation cores and a durable external envelope provide a long-life retail asset aligned with Big Yellow’s operational requirements and long-term estate strategy.