Project Duration: 2 days (early-morning shifts)
Project Overview
Costco Farnborough required an upgrade of existing lighting systems across multiple areas of the store, including the main foyer, offices and essential back-of-house rooms. The project involved replacing older fluorescent fittings with modern LED alternatives, improving energy efficiency, lighting consistency and long-term maintenance requirements, while keeping disruption to store operations to a minimum.
The works were delivered over two early-morning shifts by an on-site electrical engineering team, with all activities planned and executed outside normal trading hours to maintain full business continuity throughout.
Scope of Works
The upgrade covered the full replacement of existing lighting fittings across the foyer, offices and back-of-house areas, including emergency lighting where required. Key elements of the works included:
- Removal of existing fluorescent fittings and replacement with LED panels and standard LED lights
- Installation of new T-bars and ceiling tiles to accommodate the change from 1200mm to 600mm fittings
- Upgrade of emergency lighting alongside standard installations throughout affected areas
- Replacement of over 50 lighting fixtures in total across the project
- Identification and preparation of future works in the bakery area for follow-on upgrade
Methodology and Site Management
The project was delivered on a phased, area-by-area basis across two early-morning shifts. Working systematically through each zone allowed for effective quality control and flexibility in planning, while ensuring that each area was fully completed before moving on. Early start times minimised any impact on staff and customers, and the structured approach enabled clear communication and smooth progress across multiple work areas simultaneously.
Where ceiling modifications were required due to changes in fitting size, new T-bars and replacement ceiling tiles were installed to provide a clean, consistent finish throughout.
Challenges and Solutions
The project presented several practical challenges, each of which was managed effectively by the team on site. Working within tight early-morning timeframes required careful pre-planning and efficient task allocation to ensure all works were completed before the store opened. Ceiling modifications arising from the change in fitting dimensions added complexity but were addressed through the installation of new T-bar infrastructure and replacement tiles where needed.
A limited availability of standard lights resulted in one additional fitting being required to complete the foyer area. This was clearly documented and a plan for follow-on works was agreed, including final completion of the foyer lighting and the future bakery area upgrade, ensuring continuity and a clear programme for the next phase.
Project Highlights
- Replacement of over 50 lighting fixtures across foyer, offices and back-of-house areas
- Successful conversion from 1200mm to 600mm LED panels, including new ceiling infrastructure throughout
- Emergency lighting upgrades completed alongside standard installations
- All works delivered outside trading hours with no disruption to store operations
- Future bakery area works identified, planned and prepared for during the project
Project Outcome
The project was completed on schedule and to a high standard, with the large majority of planned works finished within the two allocated shifts. The new LED installations have significantly improved lighting quality and energy efficiency across all affected areas of the store, delivering brighter, more consistent illumination for both customer-facing and operational spaces.
Reduced energy consumption and a longer fitting lifespan will lower ongoing maintenance and running costs for the site. The structured approach taken throughout the project provides a clear template for future phases, including the planned bakery area upgrade.
