We’re proud to announce the practical completion of our works at Phoenix Cinema and Arts Centre in Leicester, delivered in collaboration with Willmott Dixon.

This project involved the replacement of the existing brick façade, insulation and ancillary items, along with the installation of fire barriers to ensure the building meets the stringent requirements of the Building Safety Act.

At the heart of Leicester’s cultural quarter

Phoenix Cinema and Arts Centre has been a key part of Leicester’s Cultural Quarter since moving to its current home in 2009. With four cinema screens, art galleries, a stylish café bar, and a roof terrace, it continues to inspire and bring people together through film and art.

Restoring safety and compliance

The project at Phoenix Square, a mixed-use building that includes the cinema, residential apartments and business units, focused on replacing much of the existing cladding with non-combustible materials to meet current building safety regulations.

Following completion, the independent fire consultant awarded the building an EWS1 A1 certification, confirming that the façade meets the highest level of fire safety compliance.

Caxton Builders role

• Careful removal of the existing façade and ancillary elements
• Installation of a high-performance insulation system for greater energy efficiency
• Full replacement of the brick façade using a durable brick slip cladding system
• Installation of fire barriers in line with the latest EWS1 and Building Safety Act requirements
• Integration of detailing to align seamlessly with the original design

With close collaboration between all stakeholders, the project delivered a high-quality finish and future-proofed the building for the future.

True collaboration in action

This project is a perfect example of collaboration. We worked closely with Leicester City Council, Pulse Consult, and Willmott Dixon to keep the focus on what matters most – delivering safety, certainty, and peace of mind for residents.

Andy Townshend, Construction Director at Caxton Builders, commented: “Delivering Phoenix Square was a proud moment for us. The precision and collaboration from everyone involved ensured the project not only met but exceeded safety and quality standards. Achieving EWS1 A1 certification is a testament to the dedication of the entire team. The building looks amazing – the quality of the brickwork is exceptional.”

Client Feedback

Terry Downes of Willmott Dixon also reflected on the achievement: “A huge congratulations to the WD site team, The ALD Group – Facades Division, Caxton Builders and Rilmac Group for delivering such a transformative project. This isn’t just a construction milestone, it’s a turning point for the people who call Phoenix Square home. By replacing much of the cladding with non-combustible materials, residents can now sleep soundly knowing they live in a building that meets the highest fire safety standards.

Just as importantly, the project has restored the value of their homes, giving residents the freedom to plan their future with confidence. The independent fire consultant awarded the building the highest possible rating (EWS1 A1 certification) a testament to the quality and dedication of the whole team”.

Award-winning results

The redevelopment has also been recognised within the industry, with Phoenix, Leicester’s independent cinema and arts centre, winning the Medium to Large Non-Residential Scheme of the Year at the prestigious ProCon Leicestershire Awards, the county’s largest celebration of the built environment.

Read more about Caxton Builders.