Brixham Fire Station

Client
Devon & Somerset Fire and Rescue Service
Contractor
Value
£1.4m
Completion Date
May 2021

The Challenge

The site is located on a busy road through the centre of Brixham with blocks of flats either side and a steep retaining wall to the rear. During the summer period an “embargo” on works to any highway or footpath is strictly enforced by the Local Authority.

The existing building was situated on the edge of the public footpath and had to be carefully demolished by hand.

The project was largely delivered during the Covid lockdown, and it was extremely difficult to deliver the works on such a small and confined site whilst maintaining social distancing. To help with this we used one way systems, allocated staggered breaks, extra cleaning of welfare units.

During the Enabling works, a previously un-identified asbestos lagged pipe was discovered within the ground floor of the old building due for demolition. This required isolation, identification and a 14-day notification to the HSE prior to its removal. The demolition could not be completed until the asbestos was safely removed.

The Solution

The site was situated on a main road with a public footpath across the front, residential flats either side and a steep bank to the rear that required stabilisation. We had to carefully plan the project logistics to maintain the safety of the public, minimise disruption to the town, particularly during the summer tourist months and ensure our site operatives had the space to maintain social distancing. The project team developed and implemented robust control procedures, larger site accommodation and traffic management to mitigate impact on the local road network.

Kier undertook the early demolition of the existing building in order to complete further site investigations and surveys and to minimise the risk of delays and additional costs caused by the discovery of any unknown services, drainage or unexpected ground conditions/features. This offset the programme impact when the asbestos lagged pipe was discovered.

The project went considerably over budget and Kier provided a VE schedule of £200k, however, only £55,683 was eventually taken by the client.

The Results

The station has been designed to make a positive contribution to the environment reducing the building’s carbon footprint. This has been achieved by implementing a fabric first approach with high performing building envelope. This is finished in a combination of metal rainscreen, stonework, profiled metal deck roofing, render and glazing. A roof mounted PV array provides green energy whilst heating is supplied via an air source heat pump to reduce long term operational costs of the facility and minimise carbon creation.

Whilst the external landscape was minimal, it includes a tarmac hardstanding, vehicle wash down attenuation, paving, stone retaining walls and carefully considered planting to enhance biodiversity and the local street scene.

Number of apprentices

83%

SME Spend

£323,000

Added Value

9/10

Client Satisfaction

Client Testimonials

Contractor Performance | Commitments

Fair

For the main works each package was carefully considered on its own merit and procured through a competitive tendering process. Enquiries were issued to local known companies and on a national level to increase the supply chain network. Expectations regarding pricing, delivery, programme and payment terms were clearly communicated and this ensured trust was built from the start and minimised any misunderstanding.

The team ensured that prices offered by suppliers were fair and competitive within the industry. Fair pricing incentivises suppliers to work safely, maintain quality and meet required timeframes. The payment terms negotiated ensured they that were fair to both parties and considered factors such as the supplier’s cash flow needs and the nature of the goods or services provided. The project also operated HSE and Quality based incentivisation such a vouchers to promote exemplar standards.

Sustainability

We achieved EPC B on a 1960’s building and In 2023, the University became only the second UK university to be externally verified as carbon neutral, and the commitments which led to that have been continued through InterCity Place. The project is rated SKA Gold, and over 1,800 tonnes of embodied carbon have been saved by re-using the existing structural frame rather than building from new.

The true social influence of the building will be demonstrated over coming years. However, since it opened in August 2023, it has led to increased interest in the University’s healthcare programmes. This includes a rise in the number of students placing Plymouth as their preferred study destination. Ultimately, this will help one of the NHS’s key objectives outlined in the 2020/21 People Plan and the current NHS Long Term Plan.

Legacy

The construction delivered two new graduate positions, 25 new sub-contractor qualifications, seven apprenticeships, 71 short duration industry certificates and training courses, 19 placement weeks on site, and provided 31 hours at construction careers information advice and guidance events. The site team also engaged with 2,388 university construction and architectural students.

Safe

Zero Riddors

Aftercare

The new occupants continue to provide positive feedback on the specialist teaching and research spaces provided. Early indications from student open days are also encouraging with greater numbers of first preference applications being received. The enhanced specialist teaching and research facilities coupled with the latest IT and AV solutions, have transformed the teaching and learning environment.