WHITE ROSE SHOPPING CENTRE, LEEDS

The M&S store in the White Rose Shopping Centre in Leeds had been facing recurring issues with water ingress in both the main retail and storage areas. The damage required urgent attention, with minimal disruption.

The source was traced to the main flat roof area, which also housed critical plant and equipment necessary for the store’s day-to-day operations. One key factor in working with retail clients is ensuring that trading continues without interruption.

This was especially crucial for the prestigious Marks and Spencer (M&S) brand, when we were asked to carry out essential repairs in collaboration with our contracting partner, KEMPER SYSTEM LTD.

The centre management were also understandably hesitant to allow the use of any solvent-based waterproofing materials. This is where the Kemperol 2K-PUR system truly proved to be the ideal solution. By opting for a cold liquid-applied system, we were able to address the numerous complex and difficult details of the roof. Coupled with the solvent-free and odourless properties of the BBA-certified Kemperol 2K-PUR waterproofing system, it became the perfect choice for this project, ensuring minimal disruption while delivering effective, long-lasting results.

We assured the client that the store would remain open throughout the work, further demonstrating that our skilled team was the right choice for the project. We took extra care to ensure that the HVAC system and other essential plant located on the roof continued running smoothly, allowing the uninterrupted operation of the food chillers and freezers within the store.

In a further effort to minimise any potential disruption, the skilled installation team began by completing the initial preparatory work, including the uplift and removal of the existing stone ballast and thermal insulation boards. Over 600 tons of material were removed from the site during out-of-hours work, often through the night, all while ensuring that the store remained fully operational.

As night work presents its own unique challenges, we ensured that health and safety was always at the forefront of the project. This included rotating labour to avoid fatigue, providing additional rooftop lighting, and collaborating closely with the onsite security team to ensure seamless delivery every step of the way.

The installation was complex but confidently and competently completed on time and to brief. Installing the fully reinforced Kemper Systems under plant and equipment added a layer of complexity, requiring precision and careful planning by a highly skilled team. The works also involved the temporary “lifting” of over 250 plant support legs, requiring significant physical effort and coordination.

Working in stages, the entire exposed asphalt roof covering was inspected and repaired as necessary with the Kempertec EP-5 Primer mixed with Kempertec KR Quartz “fillers”, creating a compatible repair mortar. All areas were then primed with the solvent-free, epoxy-based Kempertec EP-5 Primer before receiving the new fully bonded Kemperol 2K-PUR cold liquid-applied system, followed by the installation of new XPS insulation and ballast.

For best practice, we used pre-waterproofing self-adhesive felt under the plant feet. This saved time during the installation process, speeding up the project given the large number of plant feet on the roof. The team then lapped the Kemperol 2K-PUR onto the felt, ensuring a seamless waterproof solution.

To minimise the programme duration, we constructed several timber boxes off-site, which were delivered to the job as required. These boxes were used to cover plinths during the installation process, ensuring efficient workflow and minimal downtime.

With the roofing now fully watertight, M&S no longer has to worry about water ingress into the main shopping area or the warehouse, where it could cause significant damage to their products. The risk of water infiltration into electrical equipment, including the HVAC system and other essential plant located on the roof, has been eliminated.

In addition to replacing and upgrading the failing roofs, we successfully installed the cold liquid-applied waterproofing system. Thanks to the BBA-certified Kemperol 2K-PUR, which is solvent-free and odourless, the client can rest assured with no concerns about using solvent-based products.

The new roofing system boasts a lifespan of over 35 years and comes with the added confidence of a 25-year warranty, covering both materials and workmanship. This ensures long-term peace of mind for M&S, knowing their roof is protected for decades to come.

We champion the dedication and tireless effort of the team. In addition to working through the night, they handled physically demanding tasks and problem-solved with creativity and skill. This highlights both of our companies’ commitment to the project’s success and our shared commitment to excellence in customer service.

The collaboration between Everlast Group and Kemper Systems ensured that this challenging project was completed with precision, on time, and with minimal disruption to Marks and Spencer’s daily operations. This achievement showcases the power of planning, teamwork, and expert execution in overcoming complex challenges.

Everlast Group has worked on a variety of refurbishment and new build across all sectors