Big Belly Comedy Club, Southbank London

Project Overview:

Located in the heart of London’s Southbank, this 18-week project involved transforming an adjoining shell unit to expand the footprint of an existing comedy club. The greatest challenge was delivering the works while the neighbouring venue remained fully operational throughout, requiring careful planning and seamless coordination from start to finish.

Project Highlights:

• Live Venue Environment: The existing comedy club remained open and trading throughout the project. Every stage of the programme was carefully phased to ensure there was no disruption to day-to-day operations or the customer experience.

• High-Footfall Location: Situated on one of London’s busiest pedestrian routes, the site experienced constant public footfall. External works were carefully managed to maintain public safety while allowing the project to progress efficiently.

• Complex Logistics: All deliveries had to be pre-booked 48 hours in advance and coordinated through a shared loading bay. Every delivery was traffic marshalled and escorted to and from site, requiring detailed planning throughout the programme.

• Structural Alterations: An internal plant deck and new structural steelwork were installed to create a fire-rated mezzanine plant room. Extensive temporary works were required to strengthen the existing structure and accommodate the additional steel loadings.

• Industrial Design Finish: The exposed plant deck and steelwork formed part of the architectural vision, creating a contemporary industrial aesthetic that reflected the client’s brief while maintaining full functionality.

Conclusion:

This project is a great example of SB Construction’s ability to deliver complex refurbishment and extension works in challenging live environments. Through meticulous planning, stakeholder coordination and attention to detail, the project was completed without disruption to the neighbouring venue, resulting in a vibrant new space that exceeded the client’s expectations.