The enabling works played a critical role in preparing the Coroner’s Court site for its comprehensive CAT-B fit out, refurbishment, and expansion. A key early challenge was the installation of a new UK Power Networks (UKPN) cable through a sensitive cemetery area, requiring extensive stakeholder engagement, detailed surveys, and respectful coordination to avoid disturbing existing gravesites. Ground investigations, service diversions, and temporary access solutions were undertaken to facilitate the route to the Chapel while preserving the heritage and sanctity of the site. These enabling works ensured uninterrupted service provision and laid the foundation for the main construction activities.

Further enabling activities included strip-out of the existing internal spaces, asbestos surveys and removals, structural openings, and underpinning to support the ground and first floor extensions. Temporary protection measures were installed to safeguard the existing court operations during the phased refurbishment, maintaining partial occupation throughout. These works enabled a seamless transition into the main construction phase, supporting the successful delivery of new office accommodations, upgraded facilities, and an additional courtroom. The enabling phase was essential in mitigating risks, ensuring programme certainty, and securing compliance with both statutory and heritage-related obligations.