Contractor Mace has completed a flagship Microsoft store in London's Oxford Circus.

The store opened to the public last week, marking the tech giant's first flagship offering in the UK and first physical location in Europe.

Mace provided project management, programme management and cost consultancy services to Microsoft for the new store. One of the most complex retail construction projects ever delivered in London, the new flagship is in a Grade II listed building at the iconic Oxford Circus. The project included a series of structural alterations to conform to a 1904 structural code and bring the building up to 21st Century standards.

The firm led a team of experts consisting of Gensler, Ramboll, Montagu Evans, CBRE and others, working together to deliver the transformation of the heritage location and create a cutting-edge design for customers. The process also involved extensive stakeholder engagement with Westminster Council and others to ensure the project was able to proceed without disruption to one of the world's most high-profile retail streets. 


Michael Ford, General Manager for Microsoft's global real estate and facilities, said: "Our flagship locations not only offer a unique way for our brand to connect with every customer – from businesses to consumers – but also serves as a central and unique location for Microsoft employees to maximize engagement with partners and customers, extending our traditional real estate. The London flagship could not be in a more desirable location with a prime landing on Oxford Circus."

Jeremy Davey, Mace's Director for Private Sector Project Management, added: "This is one of the complex and challenging retail construction jobs ever delivered by the UK market – and so Mace is very proud to have played such a key role in creating this ambitious and iconic new flagship. The end result is a transformative new addition to Oxford Circus that will deliver a fantastic experience for customers from all over the globe."

(CM/MH)