High cost showroom shop front in St Albans city centre

At AMBS Eco Solutions, every job is different. We’ve been in construction for more than twenty years and have handled all sorts of projects, and we’ve always prided ourselves on providing an exceptional standard of service, no matter how challenging the task we’re given.

One of the most interesting jobs we’ve had to tackle in recent years was ADS Smart Electrics. We were presented with a tricky prospect – a shop on the busy and picturesque St Albans high street in Hertfordshire that had fallen into disuse and disrepair. It was essentially derelict, with a shell of an interior, and a rear garden that no one would want to spend any time in, to say the least. Two flats above the shop were in a similar state.

The AMBS Eco Solutions team were approached with the task of restoring the lot. As considerate constructors who are extremely mindful of our impact on the environment, we always appreciate a chance to take something old and make it useful again.

The derelict building was set to become the new home of ADS Digital, a family-owned business specialising in smart home technology and other digital solutions. As such, this run-down old building needed to become a state-of-the-art space for showing off the latest gadgets and connected home technology. Plus, ADS Digital have a line in home cinema technology, so there needed to be some kind of facility where they could show off these products – and what’s more, the upstairs flats needed to be made fit for habitation once more.

Lots to do, but we were up for the challenge. So, it was time to roll up our sleeves and see what could be done with this neglected building in St Albans.

The Plan

The first task was to completely renovate the front area of the shop into a showroom where ADS Digital could demonstrate all the gadgets they had on offer, attracting customers in from St Albans’ busy high street.

We also had to ensure that the shop was a fully functioning workplace, so behind that we constructed a large office space, with a fully equipped kitchen and WC.

Of course, we couldn’t forget about the home cinema. Under the disused shop, we dug out the small basement space, which originally was essentially just a small hole with no headroom. The end result was the perfect spot for ADS Digital to show off their state-of-the-art home movie setups. We cleared it out and created a plush, comfortable space with subtle, relaxing lighting – perfect for settling in with a movie. We also added an additional WC, as well as a plant room/service room.

The next job was the renovation of the two flats upstairs – but we also had an outside space to work with. We totally revamped the exterior space for the shop and the flat, adding planters, seating and multiple levels.

The Result

We’re immensely proud to have turned a derelict, run-down building into one of the high points of St Albans high street. If you’re in the neighbourhood, you can stop into ADS Digital, browse the latest connected gadgets for your home, or try out a home cinema setup in the basement space.

The reason this job has been such a highlight for us was that it gave us a chance to flex two of our muscles – commercial and residential refurbishment and renovation, each of which represents its own unique challenge. If you have a project in mind, whether it’s residential, commercial or a little of both, why not get in touch with us for a free, no-obligation quote to find out how we can make it happen.

Main floor show room and office space leading to rear garden and basement cinema room.