Hotel, Retail & Office Refurbishment Design & Fit Outs Manchester
Revamp your hotel, retail or office space with expert refurbishment and fit out services in Manchester. At Group Services Northwest, we transform commercial environments across the city—whether you’re launching a retail store in the Northern Quarter, upgrading offices in Spinningfields, or modernising a hotel near Manchester Piccadilly. Our approach blends creative design with efficient project delivery to create spaces that are functional, attractive, and future-proof.
Hotel, Retail & Office Design That Reflects Your Brand
In a vibrant and competitive city like Manchester, your commercial space must work hard for your brand. For retail units, we focus on customer flow, merchandising strategy, display integration, and lighting that draws in footfall and encourages conversion. For offices, we design spaces that enhance staff wellbeing, foster collaboration, and support hybrid working. For hotels we create that open welcoming feeling with a mesmerising wow factor.
Our Manchester team works with you from the concept stage, using 2D and 3D design modelling to bring your vision to life. Every layout, finish, and fixture is chosen to align with your goals, aesthetic preferences, and operational needs—resulting in a tailored environment that supports growth and engagement.
Complete Fit Out Project Management in Manchester
From planning through to completion, we manage every stage of your refurbishment project. Our experienced team coordinates trades, materials, permissions, and schedules, ensuring the work is delivered on time, within budget, and to the highest standards.
For busy Manchester businesses, we understand the need for flexibility. That’s why we offer phased works, evening and weekend installations, and minimal disruption strategies. Whether you’re upgrading a single unit or rolling out multi-site improvements, our project managers ensure a smooth and seamless experience.
Safety, Compliance, and Sustainability Built-In
Every refurbishment project we deliver in Manchester adheres to CDM 2015 regulations, health and safety standards, and relevant building control requirements. We take sustainability seriously, offering eco-conscious materials, energy-saving solutions, and waste reduction practices as standard.
If you're working towards environmental accreditations such as BREEAM or SKA, we can advise and support your documentation and delivery. The result is a fit out that not only looks great but performs efficiently and responsibly for the long term.
Local Knowledge with Greater Manchester Reach
We’ve worked on projects throughout Manchester—from Deansgate and Ancoats to Salford Quays and Trafford Park. Our familiarity with the city’s building stock, planning processes, and commercial property sectors allows us to anticipate challenges and streamline your refurbishment.
Whether you're fitting out a start-up space, rebranding a flagship retail store, or refurbishing a floor of serviced offices, we bring local insight, creative flair, and proven expertise to every job.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hotel, Retail & Office Refurbishment Design & Fit Outs in Manchester
What are the typical costs of a commercial refurbishment in Manchester?
The cost of a commercial refurbishment in Manchester depends on the scope, specifications, size of the premises, and materials chosen. Standard refurbishments can range from £45 to £80 per square foot, with high-end or fully bespoke fit outs sometimes exceeding £100 per square foot. These costs cover everything from design and materials to labour, compliance, and final finishes.
Retail refurbishments may involve customer-facing enhancements such as window displays, illuminated signage, shelving systems, flooring, and point-of-sale counters. Office refurbishments often include partitioning, IT and data cabling, acoustic solutions, ergonomic furniture, and kitchen or breakout areas.
At Group Services Northwest, we provide clear, itemised quotations following a site assessment. We work within your budget to ensure maximum value without compromising on design quality or compliance. Our local Manchester team can also suggest cost-saving alternatives and efficient material options to help you optimise your investment.
How long does a typical fit out or refurbishment take in Manchester?
The timeframe for a refurbishment in Manchester varies by complexity and scale. A light-touch retail makeover could be completed in 2 to 4 weeks, while a full office strip-out and rebuild may require 8 to 12 weeks or longer. Factors such as property access, planning permissions, specialist installations, and whether the space is occupied during works can also influence the duration.
We always begin by mapping out a detailed programme of works, broken down into key milestones from design sign-off to final handover. Our Manchester project managers oversee each phase, maintain regular updates, and coordinate around your operational schedule. We offer flexible working hours, including evenings and weekends, to help minimise disruption.
Our proven track record in delivering fit outs across Manchester’s varied commercial landscape means we can adapt quickly and ensure timely, high-quality results.
Do I need planning permission to refurbish a commercial unit in Manchester?
In many cases, internal refurbishments that do not alter the structure or use class of the building won’t require planning permission. This includes upgrades such as flooring, lighting, internal partitioning, and new furniture. However, you may need permission if:
You're making external changes, such as updating the façade or signage
The building is listed or located within a conservation area
Structural alterations or change-of-use are planned
Even if planning permission is not required, building regulations approval is almost always necessary to ensure health, safety, fire protection, and accessibility standards are met. If you lease the property, landlord consent may also be needed.
Group Services Northwest can manage the planning and compliance process for you. We liaise with Manchester City Council and building control officers, prepare the necessary documentation, and ensure your project proceeds legally and smoothly.
What advantages does a refurbishment offer my Manchester business?
Refurbishing your retail or office premises in Manchester can yield a wide range of benefits. Firstly, it enhances the physical environment for staff, clients, and customers. In retail, this can translate to increased footfall, higher engagement, and stronger brand presence. In offices, it contributes to greater employee satisfaction, improved workflow, and a more dynamic working culture.
Refurbishment also allows businesses to align their premises with modern standards—be it for energy efficiency, compliance, accessibility, or technology integration. It offers the opportunity to repurpose underutilised areas, improve sustainability, and reduce long-term running costs.
In a highly competitive market like Manchester, an upgraded commercial space demonstrates your business's investment in quality, innovation, and growth. Whether you’re repositioning your brand, accommodating expansion, or simply updating a tired space, a well-planned refurbishment enhances both operational performance and market perception.
Can my Manchester business stay open during refurbishment works?
Yes, in most cases your Manchester business can remain operational during a refurbishment. Group Services Northwest is experienced in delivering fit outs in live environments, including active retail stores, offices, healthcare clinics, and hospitality venues. We adopt a phased approach to limit disruption and allow your day-to-day activities to continue safely.
Our site teams implement protective measures such as dust barriers, floor protection, signage, and isolated work zones. We also schedule disruptive tasks—like drilling or electrical shutdowns—outside of your busiest trading or working hours.
We’ll collaborate with your staff to ensure clear communication, proper signage for customers or visitors, and a clean, hazard-free site. By maintaining a strict programme and adhering to health and safety protocols, we ensure your refurbishment project proceeds smoothly without impacting your reputation or revenue.
Your dedicated Manchester project manager will be your single point of contact throughout, ensuring that every step of the refurbishment is coordinated efficiently and respectfully around your business needs.
