‘A View to a Build’ at iconic Spectrum building

Work starts at former James Bond location

We’ve started work on the Grade II listed Spectrum Building in Swindon, previously used as a James Bond filming location.

The £4.7m project will see the external refurbishment of the 260,000 sq. ft. building, including its iconic yellow steel umbrella masts and frame.

In addition to the installation of a new liquid applied roof coating, the project will include the refurbishment and decoration of the external cladding and fire escapes.

Internally, the team will also be overhauling the existing M&E and fire systems.

We’re working closely with the building’s managers MAPP Building Consultancy and other key partners to complete the project.

The eye-catching building was designed by Sir Norman Foster for French car manufacturer Renault. It opened as the Renault Centre in 1982 and became a listed building in 2013, embodying the characteristics and design language of the British ‘High Tech Movement’.

Its moment on the silver screen came when the building was used for scenes in the 1985 James Bond film ‘A View to a Kill’, starring Roger Moore as 007.

Working closely with Davis Roofing to install the Polyroof liquid system and both Bagnalls Decorations and Just Spray to redecorate the steel frame and silver wall panels, the historic building is already starting to take on a refreshed look.

Due to its Grade II listing, colour matching the iconic yellow paint for the steel frame presented its own challenges. Using an inconspicuous area inside the building, both Beard and Bagnalls were able to test multiple samples and find the perfect match.