Project Overview
This negotiated project involved the complete refurbishment of the 1828 Georgian-style Bittesby House and Kennels Building in Lutterworth. The completed spaces provide Gazley Plc. with a sales office and rentable office space which they are currently letting to the University of Birmingham for educational use.
Bittesby House originated as a farmhouse, with some elements of the build dating back to the 18th century.
Initial works to Bittesby House included general repairs and making good to the external envelope and internal fabric prior to the refurbishment of the office space, which included the design and installation of M&E works.
Externally, works comprised the demolition of an outbuilding, plus associated external works and landscaping. The project also saw the install of electric vehicle charging points.
The works to the Kennels Building were negotiated off the back of the ongoing success at Bittesby House.
The scheme comprised the refurbishment of internal meeting rooms, the WC and shower room, and kitchen, as well as decoration to the doors and staircase, to provide a sales office and exhibition space.
Nigel Hupfield, Director of Chetwoods Architects
“It has been a pleasure working with SDC during the construction phase of the refurbishment projects Bittesby House and the Farm Buildings. We found SDC to be efficient, helpful, with a great eye for detail and with a well organised site during the construction works.”
Core Team
Gary Wykes
Board Director
Gary started his construction career at 16 as a Trainee Quantity Surveyor, combining hands-on experience with studies at Kettering and Northampton Colleges, where he earned ONC and HNC qualifications. He later obtained a part-time degree from Nottingham Trent University, completing it in five years thanks to his prior qualifications.
In the mid-1980s, Gary worked with a second company, managing projects in Hatfield and Aylesbury, before seeking a role closer to home. Joining SDC in the late 1980s, he progressed from Quantity Surveyor to Senior Quantity Surveyor and then Manager of the Special Projects Division. During the early 1990s recession, Gary played a key role in restructuring the division, which focused on smaller-scale projects. This effort helped position SDC for long-term success in a challenging economic climate.
Appointed to SDC’s Board of Directors in 2003, Gary oversees the Special Projects Division, manages key projects, and contributes to strategic and financial planning. Between 2004 and 2007, he played a role in transitioning SDC to an Employee Benefit Trust (EBT), ensuring stability and employee-centred governance. His leadership alongside the other Board Directors has been pivotal in navigating challenges and ensuring stability.
Gary has fostered enduring relationships with major clients like Jaguar Land Rover and the University of Cambridge, emphasising quality and client satisfaction. Over decades, he has supported SDC’s evolution from a more informal operation to a professional, structured organisation. As the company continues to grow and adapt, he remains committed to supporting its ongoing success and ensuring it is well-positioned to meet future challenges.
Graham Staughton
Contracts Manager
Graham is one of SDC’s longest-serving employees, having joined the company in 1981. With over 40 years of experience, his career has evolved significantly, and he now leads the day-to-day operations of the Special Projects division. Since his appointment as Department Manager, his leadership and experience have been key drivers in the continued success and growth of the Special Projects Division
Grant Thompson
Commercial Manager
