UK cities · Cambridge City Council and South Cambridgeshire District Council
Commercial Fit-Out & Construction in Cambridge
Cambridge is one of the UK's strongest property markets: science and technology offices and labs, a historic centre, and high-value homes in and around the city. We take on selected commercial fit-outs and high-end residential projects here.
Craftex is a design and build contractor founded in London in 2016. One team takes your project from survey, design and consents through construction to handover — with around 70% direct labour, ISO and CHAS accreditation, a 4.9★ Google rating and every project to date delivered on budget and ahead of programme.
- 2016 founded in London
- 4.9★ Google rating
- ~70% direct labour
- ISO · CHAS accredited
What we build in Cambridge
We only offer services in Cambridge that suit its buildings and market. These are the projects we are asked for most here:
Office fit-out
Cat A and Cat B office fit-outs and refurbishments in Cambridge: layouts, partitions, ceilings, lighting, M&E, data cabling, kitchens, meeting rooms and furniture, delivered around your lease dates. We work to landlord fit-out guides and schedule noisy work out of hours when the building is occupied.
Commercial fit-out & refurbishment
Commercial fit-outs and refurbishments in Cambridge for offices, showrooms, studios and mixed-use buildings — from strip-out and structural changes to M&E, finishes and handover, with one team accountable for design and build.
Prime residential refurbishment
Prime residential refurbishments in Cambridge: whole-house and apartment refurbishments, structural alterations, extensions, M&E renewal, bespoke joinery and high-end finishes, managed discreetly with neighbours in mind.
Development feasibility & site appraisal
Development feasibility and site appraisal in Cambridge: planning context, design options, condition, cost and programme, so you can decide before you buy or commit.
Planning, consents and site rules in Cambridge
Local authority: Cambridge City Council and South Cambridgeshire District Council. Before any design is fixed we check the planning and ownership position for your address, because in Cambridge this decides what is possible and how long it takes:
- The historic centre is covered by conservation areas and many listed buildings.
- Commercial demand is driven by science and technology occupiers, who need flexible offices and specialist M&E.
- Planning is split between Cambridge City Council and South Cambridgeshire depending on location.
We prepare the drawings and statements, submit the applications and build the approval time into your programme — so construction starts on a date you can rely on.
Craftex projects that show how we work
Planning a project in Cambridge? Send us the address and a few photos — we will tell you what is realistic, what consents you need and what it is likely to cost.
Talk to our teamWhat our projects actually cost
Most contractors avoid numbers. These are real Craftex projects — total value, size and time on site — so you can benchmark your budget. Your cost will depend on condition, specification, consents and access; we confirm it in a unit-by-unit cost plan.
| Project | Scope | Value | Size | Time on site |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Portsoken House, Aldgate | Warehouse-to-office conversion, full M&E | £2.2M | 1,550 sq m | 7 months |
| Beaumont House, Kensington | Office refurbishment, open-plan + meeting rooms | £350K | 750 sq m | 3 weeks |
| Drake's, Savile Row | Flagship retail refit, live trading | £410K | 120 sq m | 12 weeks |
| Medusa, Knightsbridge | Turnkey spa & clinic, four floors | £460K | 180 sq m | 17 weeks |
| Banbury Warehouse | Fit-out inside a live warehouse | £380K | 148 sq m | 4 weeks |
How a Cambridge project runs with Craftex
- Site visit and brief. We survey the building, check services and access, and confirm planning, listing and landlord or estate constraints.
- Feasibility & Costing Study. Design options, consents route, a detailed unit-by-unit cost plan and a realistic programme.
- Design and consents. Our in-house team completes the design and manages applications and licences.
- Construction. One project manager runs every trade, with around 70% direct labour.
- Handover. Snag-free handover, documentation and aftercare.
Questions about building in Cambridge
Do you work in Cambridge?
Yes. We take on selected office, commercial and high-end residential projects in Cambridge, run by the same senior team that delivers our London work.
Can you deliver a fit-out for a tech or science business?
Yes. We deliver office fit-outs with the M&E and data infrastructure that technology occupiers need, and we also build data centre and server-room environments.
How much does a project in Cambridge cost?
It depends on scope, condition, specification and access, so we don't publish a price per square foot without seeing the building. As a reference, the table above shows what recent Craftex projects actually cost. Our Feasibility & Costing Study gives you a detailed, unit-by-unit cost plan before you commit.
How long will my Cambridge project take?
Programme depends on size, consents and whether the building stays occupied. Our projects have ranged from three weeks for a 750 sq m office refurbishment to seven months for a £2.2M conversion. We give a realistic programme with the cost plan, and every project we have delivered so far has finished ahead of programme.
Do you really work in Cambridge if you are based in London?
Yes, on selected projects. Projects in Cambridge are run by the same senior team that delivers our London work, with a dedicated site lead and a single point of contact. We typically take on projects from around £100k.
Do you use subcontractors?
Around 70% of our labour is direct, and one Craftex project manager controls every trade. That gives you one accountable team, consistent quality and no gaps between designer and builder.
What is the minimum project size you take on?
We typically take on projects from around £100k, from single floors and units to whole buildings.
How do I start?
Send us the address, a short description and any drawings or photos. We arrange a site visit, then prepare a Feasibility & Costing Study with design options, consents, a cost plan and a programme for your Cambridge project.
Nearby areas we cover
Start your Cambridge project
Tell us about the building and what you want to achieve.
Get a free consultation info@craftex.co.ukand we will be in touch to discuss your project