Archives

You are here: / / Case Studies

Paignton Community and Sports Academy

/in , , , /by

Paignton Community and Sports Academy

Paignton, Devon


Project Details



Client
Bay Education Trust

Project Manager
Torbay Development Agency

Architect
KTA Architects Ltd

Contractor
Midas Construction Ltd

Value
£2.4m

Contract Period
38 weeks

Procurement Type
Competitive tender – 2 stage

Form of Contract
JCT Intermediate Building Contract with Contractors Design 2016

Size
880m²

Apprentices
17

Project Brief

Supported by the Torquay Development Agency (TDA) and with capital funding secured via a Condition Improvement Fund from the Education and Skills Funding Agency, this project at Paignton Community and Sports Academy (part of the Bay Education Trust), saw construction of a single-storey, multi-use hall.

Delivered at the Academy’s live Borough Road campus, the new Events Centre provides a flexible working space suitable for a full range of sporting and extracurricular activities. The hall features retractable seating, a mezzanine level and dual-purpose lecture theatre/ performance space. The Centre includes a kitchen and dining area, entrance lobby and reception, and an external covered walkway.

Midas constructed the Events Centre following demolition of an outdated 1930s teaching block, further enhancing the Borough Road campus through groundworks, landscaping and improved car parking.

The project received a customer satisfaction score of 87% in the survey at practical completion.



“I have been at the Academy since 1986 and this has to be the best news I have ever received – it will give the students both now and in the ensuing years access to state of the art facilities.”

Key Challenges

  • To manage works close to live school buildings, Midas secured the site with fencing developed a bespoke logistics plan, scheduling deliveries to avoid school drop off and collection times in accordance with the client’s instructions, to ensure access to the academy was not disrupted. The site employed a full time gate controller for the duration of the project; kept access gates closed and locked when not in use; fitted door closers to pedestrian access gates; enforced a one-way vehicle access system; and established a corral at the entry point to get deliveries off the main road. The team and completed all works, loading and unloading within site boundaries only. The Senior Site Manager met frequently with the Academy Head Teacher to discuss relevant aspects of the work, and liaised with the Academy’s Health & Safety Coordinator and caretaker with regard to programming and access.
  • Partway through the project and in agreement with the client, Midas moved the Academy’s office and canteen facilities to within the new Event Centre. The Midas team positioned pedestrian barriers in the corridors, to prevent unauthorised access and to direct site operatives, with access monitored by Midas and Academy staff. Midas risk assessed all activities with consideration for the proximity to pupils.
  • During the enabling works, Midas commissioned a ground penetrating radar survey of the site. The team identified routes of live services, using spray paint to colour code manhole covers for service type (blue for storm drains, red for foul drains and a red C for combined drains). Operatives worked under permits to dig and CAT scanned areas prior to excavation works. As the team brought new services onto the site Midas marked them up on service drawings, displayed routes on notice boards and attached to drawings to relevant permits.

Project Takeaways

Our Success

  • The client appointed separate contractors to complete fit out works during our project. Midas ensured all operatives received a full site induction prior to accessing live areas of the site and ensured operatives followed site rules and restrictions, avoided restricted areas and followed noise and dust controls stated within the induction and specific risk assessment method statements. The Midas Site Manager controlled the process.
  • To bring the works in line with the budget, Midas led a detailed best value review, with £390k of our proposed savings accepted by the client. Amendments included changing the design from three flexible classrooms to a hall, a better provision for the client’s needs; and working closely with the design team to deliver proposed solutions.
  • The project successfully diverted 100% of waste from landfill, through measures including crushing and reusing hard materials from the demolished building as a piling mat. To further reduce the project’s carbon footprint and manage the limited parking availability, Midas actively encouraged the use of vehicle sharing, public transport, cycling or walking to site, providing public transport timetables in the site office.

Our Learnings

  • The site had limited space for contractor parking, which presented a challenge outside of school holidays when contractors parked in nearby roads. The team implemented parking controls and advised contactors of local restrictions, with the Senior Site Manager delivering toolbox talks on restrictions and briefing contractors that anyone not adhering to site rules would be removed. Vehicles displayed a Midas notice with the Senior Site Manager’s contact information, to ensure any issues could be promptly addressed.
  • Working closely with our specialist subcontractors and the client, Midas resolved an issue with availability of high-level cladding panels. With agreement from the client the team implemented a temporary cladding solution, fitting a sacrificial profiled metal cladding, which rapidly waterproofed the building and allowed the site team to progress with internal works. The Senior Site Manager worked closely with the design team and M&E subcontractor to incorporate design changes implemented part way through construction, coordinating services to mitigate potential delays and ensure on-time completion.

Value Added

  • £390,000 (16.3% of project value) of savings offered to the client at Gateway 3, with £392,818 (16.4%) of savings delivered at Gateway 4 through a combination of best practice and added value measures. Midas delivered £75,000 of savings by rationalising the size of the kitchen; saved £50,000 through amendments to the cladding specification; and saved £100,000 through rationalisation of rooflines and building footprint.
  • The project worked to the Employment and Skills Plan (ESP) and surpassed all agreed targets, hosting five work placements; creating two jobs with the National Skills Academy for Construction; attending 11 Construction Careers Information, Advice & Guidance Events; delivering 98 waged training weeks on site; supporting 18 workforce qualifications; and delivering seven training plans for subcontractors. The Midas Employment & Skills Coordinator and the Academy’s Mentor & Recruitment Manager spoke to approximately 300 students about careers in construction, as part of an assembly. Including those employed by the supply chain, the site supported 17 apprentices.
  • The project employed 95.2% small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), with 95% of SMEs based within 30 miles of the site.
  • The team donated timber offcuts and old pallets to a local scout group; supported the school’s construction curriculum; and Midas sponsored the school’s football kit.

KPI’s & Statistics

Apprentices: 17
Average AIR: 0.7
Average CCS: score 37
Waste diverted from landfill: 100%
Cost/m²: 2,874m2
Cost/m²: excl abnormals 2,189m2

Nuclear Decommissioning Authority, Oxfordshire

/in /by

Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA)

Didcot, Oxfordshire


Project Details



Client

Nuclear Decommissioning Authority

Project Manager

Avison Young

Architect

Avison Young

Contractor

Morgan Sindall (Overbury)

Value

£2.4m

Contract Period

32 weeks

Procurement Type

Design & Build

Form of Contract

JCT D&B

Size

1600 m2 GIFA

Project Brief

The West elevation of Building 329 was the subject of a CAT B fit out, on the ground floor this will include wings G,H,J & K, cores 2 & 3 and link 2. To the first floor fit out works were to wings J & K and core 3. The existing WC blocks on the ground floor and first floor, although within the site demise, were not the subject of any works.

Overbury took overall responsibility as principal contractor for the whole of the above areas and coordinated their works accordingly with adjacent tenants and the landlord contractors at the east end within building 77.

The floor plates included works to provide open office space complete with office desks and enclosed meeting rooms and offices; new comms and patch rooms to both floors. Existing carpet finishes remained in the majority of areas with new feature carpet to various walkways and offices. Decorations completed to all areas in line with finishes plan. Amendments to services were carried out to align with the new layout and occupancy levels. Kitchenette, and post room provided to the ground floor and a kitchenette to the first floor. Services  included Access control, FA, CCTV, Intruder alarms and data to all areas.

The west elevation entrance was altered to accommodate new revolving entrance doors, with extended external paved landing and steps. Internally the entrance was fitted out with security speed lanes, reception desk, visitor WC and security office including ceramic floor tiles throughout.

All external windows had Anti Shatter clear film applied.  The north of wing K had a sliding wall installed to provide a large conference room or 2 x smaller seating areas.

Due to the known presence of ACM, this required specialist attendance to accommodate removal of base build structures to facilitate the installation of services and finishes. Fixing of high and low level components were the subject of strict procedures to negate penetrating through the known ACM.

New service and drainage connections and ducting required both external and internal excavations.



Key Challenges

This could not be removed as encased within the base build floor slabs across the entire area.  We had to re-sequence all works and re-programme the works to allow the asbestos contractors to “deal” with installing our fixings and provide us with service penetrations before handing the areas back to us following air clearance certificates being issued.

This encompassed all services, specifically at high level.  We achieved this by installing 4000 meters of Uni-Strut to suspend all services and ceilings from it. The Uni-Strut was fixed by our specialist Asbestos Contractor using circa 8000 fixing bolts.  Fixing of components to floor was also problematical as limited to depth of fixing so we did not penetrate the Asbestos. Re-designed base units and fixings and depth gauges on drilling tools were used.

This meant that we and our security contractor had to under go security clearance checks, with our security contractor being subjected to extensive checks by the NDA authorities.

Distribution of all security designs and drawings could only be carried out via a specific PC located within NDA premises. Displaying of any designs or drawings could only be done on any floors above 1st floor level, all items had to be removed at the end of the working day and placed under lock and key.

Project Takeaways

Our Success

  • Overcoming all of the asbestos related issues and maintaining programme.
  • Overcoming all of the security related requirements leading to maintaining an excellent relationship with our client.
  • Assisting the client with communications between them and their landlord in resolving getting the LTA ( licence to alter) agreed, we did this as we had  a very good relationship with the landlord from a previous fit out for them.

Our Learnings

  • The extent of the external excavations became an issue, this was mainly attributed to obtaining information from 3rd parties which took some time. However, once received, we were able to reconsider our methodology and were able to overcome unforeseen issues within programme.

KPI’s & Statistics

ContractGateway 2 Planning Gateway 3 Contract AgreementVariation
Cost£2,105,632£2,105,6320%
Time29 weeks31.3 weeks+2.3 weeks

Kidbrooke Park Primary School

  • Client

    London Borough of Greenwich               

  • Contractor

  • Value

    £12m

  • Completion Date

    June 2022

The epitome of Team Collaboration

  • Integrated Team of the Year 2022 – SCF Framework Awards

Appointed by Royal Borough of Greenwich, Galliford Try recently completed a 2 form entry community primary school for 420 primary and 26 nursery pupils, including a Behaviour Support Unit hosting up to 18 children. The works comprised a two-storey building, extensive landscaping and sports facilities served by a standalone changing block, which are used by the local community. In addition to a new multi-use games area (MUGA), there are outside learning areas including a wild meadow orchard, forest skills area, trim trails, horticultural area with raised planters and an amphitheatre. The project achieved BREEAM Excellent by maximising passive techniques to reduce energy consumption and environmental impact.


The Challenge

There were several challenges the team faced. Budget constraints and keeping to programme despite being bookended by Covid and three national lockdowns and consequently material shortages and delay were their biggest.

The Solution

Keeping to budget: By engaging with their supply chain partners early in preconstruction, with an emphasis on added value, improved buildability and thus cost efficiencies and actively identifying alternative materials throughout, Galliford Try were able to provide significant savings on the project. Some included redesigning the ground floor slab to in-situ suspended slab, simplification of the window head brick detail and creating dual site access to optimise sequencing, enabling the building and landscape works simultaneously. Comprehensive surveys and ground investigations prior to Contract Award mitigated risks by preventing abortive designs based on assumptions.

The use of BIM Level 2 even though it was not a project requirement reduced both design and installation inefficiencies, saving time and money.

On time delivery: In addition to placing orders early and using more readily available materials to compensate manufacturing shortfalls in the UK and abroad, Galliford Try replaced in-person site visits with Zoom, GoPro cameras and drones for client and end user progress updates and inspections when Covid restrictions and lockdowns were in place.


The Results

The school was completed eight weeks early despite the challenges faced with the additional pressures of three national lockdowns, social distancing and reduced productivity (less people on site and delayed materials). The team achieved an overall client satisfaction of 9/10, with 10/10 in time management and Health & Safety.

68


Apprentices

£10.4m


SME Spend

£4.8m


Added Value

9/10


Client Satisfaction

Client Testimonials

“Considering all of the challenges in the last 18 months, it is terrific to see this project come to fruition. It’s a real testament to the hard-work and planning of all involved…” Councillor Matt Morrow, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, RB Greenwich at the KPPS Opening Ceremony in July 2021.

‘The project was extremely difficult to deliver on programme due to COVID and issues with the utility provider. However, GT were proactive in overcoming any potential delays through the use of early orders and exceeded our expectations – the new school building was able to open after Easter 2021 instead of September 2021’

PreviousNext

Contractor Performance | Commitments


Fair

Payment timescales to all: supply chain and manufactures were agreed and adhered to throughout the project. Payment notices were issued on time with zero ‘pay-less’ notice and 97% of subcontractor final accounts were agreed within two months on Practical Completion.


Aftercare

The project and site manager stayed on site four weeks post project completion and continue to keep in touch with the school, in conjunction with our Aftercare team.  

To compliment the Aftercare team’s collaborative workshop to the end users 12 weeks prior to completion, the project team completed several site tours with the school’s executives and headteacher during the final construction phase, where defect sheets were presented, and reporting procedures explained during the walkabouts.


Safe

The team achieved AFR ratio 0 and zero RIDDOR, had an average CCS score of 42 and was able to continue to operate safely during Covid with no major outbreaks. The site was awarded ‘Quarterly Safety Award’ twice.


Sustainability

Designed to achieve BREEAM Excellent and with that included details that maximised passive techniques to reduce energy consumption and environmental impacts. Additional features incorporated a highly insulated building envelope, high thermal mass for night cooling, ventilation stacks with heat recovery, 90sqm of solar panels and electric charging points. Acoustic ceiling and breathing building units were installed in classrooms to enhance air quality for better student learning environment and achieved A for energy performance.

Following some tree removal, we reused the logs to form the forest trail and created pathways around the site using mulch (shredded trees). The mulch provided a more stable ground to work on, as well as acting as a nutrient bed for plants.


Legacy

Employment Skills Plan: 68no of apprentices, 4no of employees who were previously unemployed, 5no careers, curriculum and literacy talks and 8 hours of improving staff wellbeing sessions. Covid-19 prevented us achieving our targets in full during the construction phase. In agreement with Royal Borough of Greenwich, we delivered our promises post project completion.

Greenwich’s own: A labourer, gateperson and welfare labourer/cleaner were employed through Greenwich council’s employment scheme, Greenwich Local Labour and Business.

Looking after the smaller businesses: To encourage greater micro and VCSE participation, we held a Meet the Buyer event at Greenwich Town Hall. To ensure that they could work with us and other contractors in the future, we held individual workshops and supported them by completing minimum requirements like PAS91 and Builder’s Profile registration.

Greater emphasis on health and wellbeing: During the early stages of the pandemic, we arranged for a top medical visitor to deliver a toolbox talk to explain Covid 19 and ‘debunking some of the myths’ surrounding the illness. Not only did this reassure our operatives, but also provided them the opportunity to ask questions and have first-hand information affecting both theirs and their families’ health.

Lasting school legacy: We donated a mosaic plaque with the school’s crest at part of the Opening Ceremony.

SCF Framework Manager

James Wright

Email: james.wright@hants.gov.uk

Phone: : 07761 330560

Contractor Framework Manager

Angela Purse

Email: Angela.Purse@gallifordtry.co.uk

Phone: 07593 561855

Exeter Science Park – Engineering Building

  • Client

    University of Exeter

  • Contractor

  • Value

    £4.1m

  • Completion Date

    January 2020


Project Background

A bespoke ‘BREEAM Excellent’, 3-storey engineering and research building, housing the world-leading VSimulator facility, providing specialist engineering facilities and open-plan, flexible workspace. The facility will play a major role in spearheading Exeter Science Park’s aspirations and reputation for research and innovation, stimulating a knowledge-based economy, delivering jobs, higher productivity and economic growth.

Providing unique simulation capabilities far beyond anything available worldwide, the VSimulator facility will be used by academics and industry to support multi-disciplinary research factors. Helping to address critical issues of human engagement with the surrounding environment, it will present research, commercial and training opportunities within an endless range of disciplines.


The Challenge

Imperative to the successful project outcome, the Virtual Simulation Chamber had to be handed over to the specialist engineers on time to commence installation of the state-of-the-art motion platform and other equipment. Additionally, the basement concrete floor had to be within a 2mm-tolerance level and strict water-proofing specifications had to be achieved prior to the VSimulator installation. Further adding to the challenge were complex logistics and mechanical and electrical installations, and the involvement of multiple, including global, specialist installers.


The Solution

Through sectional completion (in October 2019), we handed over the basement to the University for fitting-out of the simulator, whilst the remaining works continued. We worked closely with the University throughout the fit-out works, ensuring this was undertaken safely while the remaining works took place concurrently.

During early design collaboration, we were able to offer our experience with basement construction to align buildable-construction details with specialist tanking manufactured products. It was at this early stage when a significant change in tanking membrane manufacturers occurred and, with the help of our supply chain family, we were able to provide a quick solution to the benefit of the client.

–

The Results

Communication was critical to ensuring we kept to programme, and we successfully managed the co-ordination of overseas meetings, held virtually, regarding set-up, installation and delivery of equipment for the motion platform.

Drawing upon the expertise and skills of the project team, the challenging project objectives were all achieved, to the delight of the client.

2


Apprentices

100%


SME Spend

£ 248,500


Added Value

9/10


Client Satisfaction

Client Testimonials

“The project had the potential for a lot of obstacles due to the nature of the initial procurement and the late change of the client but all the strategies put in place ironed out such issues. During the complex bespoke-fit-out the exceptional partnership between Morgan Sindall and the University made this look easy. Strong relationships have been formed and which made for a great success for project. The assistance from Morgan Sindall was invaluable. Very enjoyable and loved the ‘get on with it’ attitude from the site team.”

PreviousNext

Contractor Performance | Commitments


Fair

100% payment within 30 days terms


Sustainability

BREEAM Excellent

99% waste diverted from landfill

100% timber responsibly sourced


Safe

Zero RIDDORs

CCS Score 43/45


Legacy

38 No of SMEs & 10 beneficiaries

4 jobs created, 49 trainee weeks & 28 students engaged

£200 donations to charity & 39 volunteer hours

88% social value created


Aftercare

Soft landings for handover

Dedicated Morgan Sindall point of contact

On-line portal for notifying any defects with 3 priority categories for response times

Solent University Sports Complex

  • Client

    Solent University

  • Contractor

  • Value

     £21.4m

  • Completion Date

    March 2019

–

Project Background

A new build four-storey steel frame building which includes two sports halls, three fitness studios, a health and well-being gym, a strength and conditioning high-performance gym and high-quality teaching facilities on a live university campus. The scheme also includes underground car parking.


The Challenge

The ambitious vision for the University was to create a new sports facility to improve and modernise the University’s offering and enable excellence in sport, health and fitness related degree programmes and associated teaching and research for staff, students and the local community.

–

The Solution

The seminar and gym areas of the sports complex are fitted with 20mm soft joints between the room floor slabs. These help to isolate them and significantly reduce the vibration that passes through them. In the weight training area, they went a step further and introduced a cast in-situ reinforced concrete sprung floor. This innovation means that the sports hall can be enjoyed by everyone, no matter what activity they are involved in.

The iconic cladding system to the tower block represents the former use of the site with historical maps – a subtle presence in the perforation in the cladding system next to the standout face brickwork wrapping the sports halls. The building has provided a head turning modern build in Southampton’s old city centre.

The Results

The city centre project was constructed within a 86 week programme, delivering a four-storey sports complex with state-of-the-art gyms for both student and staff use. Along the stacked tower block of gyms and studios, the project had two full sized sports halls; one for multi-use catering for over 13 different sports, the other was dedicated to basketball, allowing Student Kestrels, the university’s leading sports team, a home court. Below the sports halls, basement parking was provided for staff, students and the public as well as accessible parking bays.

The project is a visually stunning, flagship sports facility which is enhancing Solent University’s offering in advanced sports degree courses, and it is already attracting more students to the local area and inspiring people to take part in sport.

23


Apprentices

85.6%


SME Spend

£396,204


Added Value

8/10


Client Satisfaction

Client Testimonials

Morgan Sindall is extremely collaborative and work well as a team.  They communicate effectively and share the common goals of the project; this ensured the end result of the finished facility.  The work was of good quality, and they worked well with the consultants and wider team which has benefited the project.  With regards to the relationship with the MS team, it has been the best project I have been involved in with key members of the Morgan Sindall team going the extra mile.  It felt like you were part of the team.  True collaboration for the whole of the project.

PreviousNext

Project Awards

Solent received the University Bronze Charter Mark Award from England Athletics, one of 6 universities to receive a charter mark award to date.

and

Construction News Award 2020 – Community Engagement Project of the Year

Contractor Performance | Commitments


Fair

100% payment within 30 days terms


Sustainability

99% waste diverted from landfill

100% timber responsibly sourced


Safe

Zero RIDDORs
CCS Score 44/45


Legacy

36 No of SMEs & 59 beneficiaries

18 jobs created, 184 trainee weeks and 577 students engaged

£3,046 donations to charity & 1,845 volunteer hours


Aftercare

Soft landings for handover

Dedicated Morgan Sindall point of contact

On-line portal for notifying any defects with
3 priority categories for response times

Court Fields School Extension

Court Fields School Extension

/in , , /by

Court Fields School

Wellington, Somerset


Project Details



Client

Somerset County Council

Contractor

Morgan Sindall

Value

£736k

Contract Period

32 weeks

Project Brief

Expansion of the existing primary school with the addition of three new classrooms using the ‘Class Space’ standard design. The classroom extension included toilets and was situated on the old basketball court, north of the school’s sports hall.

The client wanted the classrooms to be flexible for potential future use and expansion. Therefore, the internal dividing walls were stud work and the school’s preferred option of radiators were used instead of underfloor heating. The position and orientation of the building on the basketball court area were carefully designed so the school could construct another block adjacent to this one in the future. Other considerations included design items, such as mains cable sizes.

The extension was constructed of steel frame, blockwork rendered externally, with a profiled metal roofing system.



  • Court Fields School Extension
PreviousNext
123

“With pressure already on our existing primary schools, this will help to ease some of that and it is in all of our interests to make sure that any new school provides the very best education for those children.”

“Morgan Sindall achieved practical completion in accordance with school autumn term opening requirement.  This included providing access for Somerset County Council and the school for FFE works.”

Project Competencies

Fair

Fair Payment Charter

Sustainable

Sustainable Development Charter

  • Thermal insulation improved with revised roof specification reducing operating cost for client

Safe

Health & Safety Charter

  • Zero RIDDORs

Legacy

Legacy Charter

  • Site visits offered to any pupils interested in a career in construction

Aftercare

Handover & Aftercare Contractor Promise

Community Engagement

Careers Opportunities

  • The school were approached to offer site visits for any pupils interested in a career in construction
  • Virtual work experience provided during February Half term

Key Challenges

  • We regularly liaised with the school on any specialist activities, such as crane lifting. School holidays were targeted to carry out potentially disruptive tasks, such as removal of soil from site with multiple lorry movements.
  • Access for deliveries were planned during off-peak times and larger deliveries diverted to an alternative entrance at the rear, where necessary. Daily communication was undertaken with the school to keep them updated on deliveries and any changes to planned activities. Any disruptive works, such as the removal of soil from the site which required multiple lorry movements were planned during school holidays.
  • The internal dividing walls were studwork and radiators used instead of underfloor heating. The position and orientation of the building on the basketball courts area, were carefully designed to allow an addition of another block in the future. Other consideration were also made when designing items, such as mains cable sizes etc., again for possible future expansion.

Project Takeaways

Our Success

  • Through early involvement during the preconstruction stage we were able to undertake surveys of ground conditions and services to minimise unknowns and provide cost
    assurance.
  • Excellent health and safety maintained within a live school environment with full secure site boundary, scheduling movement of vehicles during off-peak times and utilising
    school holidays for potentially disruptive works.
  • Completion on-time, ready for the Autumn term and flexibility of the site team allowed Somerset County Council and the school to access the building for FF&E and fit-out.

Our Learnings

  • The project was a D&B with limited collaboration required, however the project still required a regular flow of communication throughout the preconstruction and
    construction phase to all parties

Value Added

  • During the course of the project we value engineered specific products to provide a cost time benefit to the client whilst also increasing thermal efficiency and reducing Whole Life Costs. Various elements were looked at to bring overall costs down such as changing the roof and insulation. For the Whole life Costing, thermal insulation was improved with the revised roof specification which provided reduced operating cost for the client.

KPI’s & Statistics

ContractGateway 2 PlanningGateway 3 Contract AgreementVariation
Cost£2,462k£2,417k-1/8%
Time32 weeks32 weeks0

Contact: Alan Smedley, Framework Manager
Email: alan.smedley@morgansindall.com

Reading Borough Council – 19 Bennett Road

/in , , , /by

19 Bennett Road

Reading


Project Details



Client

Reading Borough Council

Project Manager

Hampshire County Council

Architect

Broadway Malyan

Contractor

Morgan Sindall (overbury)

Value

£3.6m

Contract Period

26 weeks

Procurement Type

Design & Build

Form of Contract

JCT D&B

Size

1,308 m2 GIFA

Trainees

5

Project Brief

Overbury successfully delivered a full Cat B fit out over two floors and a mezzanine area for repeat client, Reading Borough Council (RBC). Procured through the SCF Framework, the newly modernised office space will house the Council’s Parks, Highways and Housing departments. The works also included the creation of a storage facility for the museums and modern records division.

Works to the office space included the creation of a breakout area on the ground floor, new toilets, refurbishment of the showers, new tea points, installation of a new lift and redecoration throughout. Structural beams were moved and adapted to ensure that the lift could be appropriately supported.  A new structural steel beam was installed under the mezzanine to support the new storage equipment that would be installed on this floor. New roller racking storage and close control air conditioning units and dehumidifiers were fitted in the document and artefact storage areas.

The security of the building was increased with specialist steel doors and updated security systems.

The building is located in the middle of a busy depot which was in constant use throughout the project. Logistics had to be carefully planned; and effective traffic and parking management was key. Maintaining a strong relationship with the client ensured successful and efficient use of a challenging site.

Throughout the project we had apprentices and trainees working on site; directly for Overbury and for our subcontractors.



Key Challenges

The tight programme for the roller racking area presented a key challenge for the project. We had to ensure that this portion of works started as early as possible to meet the critical path. The programme was designed to progress these areas to mitigate the risk of not meeting the handover with the roller racking in place.

To ensure the smooth operation of the roller racking, the floor levels could only have a 5mm tolerance throughout the whole span of the warehouse. After the final stage of demolition was completed in the racking areas, we re-screeded the entire warehouse. This ensured the 5mm tolerance was met throughout the span which resulted in the perfect running of the racking system.

From the validation phases of the project it became apparent that there was an old mains electrical panel in a plant room in the centre of the building that was still live, this was due to be demolished to be used for racking areas. Requests to the electrical board were made immediately for them to disconnect and remove, however there was still to be a delay for these works. To ensure that this did not delay the overall programme we progressed with all other surrounding works, whilst keeping this plant room out of bounds to mitigate any health and safety risk. The sequencing of the roller racking was swapped to ensure the programme stayed on schedule.

Once the electrical panel was safely disconnected and removed, works to remove the old plant room and progress works for roller racking installation was accelerated so that the end handover date was met.

The office block was at the centre of a live and busy council depot. We had to balance deliveries and a shared car park with the council contractors and the challenging location also meant that large vehicles and deliveries could not access the site.

Collaboration, communication and organisation were key to maintaining a good relationship with the client while being efficient with deliveries and subcontractors.

Project Takeaways

Our Success

  • Our open and honest approach meant that we maintained a strong relationship with the client.  This collaborative approach and team ethos meant challenges were overcome quickly and effectively.
  • We had an experienced and knowledgeable team who communicated well and worked closely with our Health & Safety Inspector to ensure high standards were maintained on our site at all times.

Our Learnings

  • The design for the area under the mezzanine office and workshop was agreed late which put a strain on the programme, however the programme in this area was accelerated ensuring the end handover date was met.

Value Added

  • Overbury and the supply chain had 2 Apprentices and 3 Trainees. We provided 152 weeks of training in total.
  • Renewable/sustainability advice was provided to ensure a regime was in place which resulted in 491.3 tonnes of waste being diverted from landfill that equates to 96.8% of total waste.
  • Use of banksman when large deliveries that required us to shut down the depot one-way system.
  • Early communication with facilities team for large deliveries that shut down the depot road.
  • Use of local subcontractors and local materials had a positive impact on the local economy.

Fulham Cross Girls’ School

/in , , , /by

Fulham Cross Girls’ School

London Borough of Fulham


Project Details



Client

Department of Education

Contractor

Morgan Sindall

Value

£7.5m

Contract Period

80 weeks

Project Summary

At Fulham Cross Girls’ School, the works comprised the demolition of an old 1970’s science block and delivery of a state-of-the-art science building and gymnasium with bespoke science labs, staff rooms, offices and a double-height gym.  The new steel frame building with precast concrete planks on the first floor and roof and external brick and clad facade provides 5 new laboratories, preparation room, sports hall, changing rooms, toilets and staff room. The building includes PV panels and attenuation tank.

The main gym complements the all-weather outdoor facilities with associated changing rooms, storage facilities and offices, and capacity for a variety of indoor sports including hockey, netball, dance, and rowing machine activity.

Fulham Cross Girls’ School new block was handed over successfully on budget in March 2020, safely and without delay following the government guidelines during the COVID-19 pandemic.



“We are proud to be working closely with the Department for Education on both Fulham Cross Girls’ School and Fulham College Boys’ School on this series of important projects, helping to reshape the local area into a hub of excellence for STEM subjects.”

“Managing the handover of the project during the Covid-19 outbreak whilst still maintaining excellent communication and quality standards was impressive. We have felt like we have had a clear picture and understanding of what the project would look like from an early design stage and that has carried the whole way through to completion on site. The team delivered the project on time despite various changes in dates and the circumstances.”

“Day to day contact has been exceptional. It’s honest and upfront. What Morgan Sindall say they will do they do. Relationship between the school and the site team is fantastic and has been really successful. I can only thank you on behalf of the school for the absolute professionalism of you all and the appreciation for you always going the extra mile.”

PreviousNext

Project Competencies

Fair

Fair Payment Charter

Sustainable

Sustainable Development Charter

  • 97% waste diverted from landfill

Safe

Health & Safety Charter

  • Zero RIDDORs
  • CCS Score 43

Legacy

Legacy Charter

  • 14 apprenticeships, 6 of which were new jobs created
  • 7 work experience placements
  • 272 Trainee weeks
  • Schools engagement: 361 pupils

Aftercare

Handover & Aftercare Contractor Promise

Community Engagement

Career Opportunities

  • 14 apprenticeships, 6 of which were new jobs created
  • 7 work experience placements
  • Women in Construction Day held at Fulham Cross Girls’ School
  • Numerous career events and interview preparation days for students
  • Enhanced and worked closely with local agencies to achieve ESP targets

Outreach Programmes

  • Time capsule and summer barbeque joint activities held at the school
  • Morgan Sindall assisted with a ‘Fish and Chips Supper’ at a neighbouring elderly care home
  • Morgan Sindall supported the local charity Fulham Good Neighbours including the renovation of the charity’s garden in their HQ, sponsoring their AGM and decorating a local beneficiary’s stairway. They also introduced them to the school enhancing the profile of both.
  • Developed relationships with local suppliers and shop including a venture with a local cafe to encourage people to visit with a voucher awards scheme and a local gardening store was used for the site entrance flowers.

Key Challenges

The project saw the use of temporary modular classrooms to house students away from the works in order to minimise disruption as much as possible to the overall learning environment.

As of March 2020 and amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, Fulham Cross Girls’ School new block was handed over successfully on budget and safely following the government guidelines. Last minute programme changes were made to suit the school amidst the COVID-19 outbreak.  Morgan Sindall utilised their labour to help move the school in/out for handover 2-weeks early.

The school remained fully operational throughout the works which required Morgan Sindall to work closely with the school throughout to minimise the impact on teaching and learning. They re-programmed works to avoid noisy works during busy school time/utilising school holidays where possible.

Project Takeaways

Our Success

  • Throughout the project we engaged well with the School, coordinating the works around their requirements to ensure that the safety of pupils was the upmost priority. We included the students at various stages of the project, including time capsules, summer BBQ and work placements, including those with supply chain and consultants.
  • Foundation design: 142 piles at 300mm centres, total length 1,536m. The piles along with the raft slab form this innovative Comdeck solution that eliminates the need for additional pile cap/mat. This was implemented in partnership with Abbey Pynford and benefits include shorter programme, lower costs, safety, environmental and less disruption to the neighbourhood.
  • Offsite manufactured elements: Prefabricated concrete slabs brought in to site enabled the floor and roof to be installed in 3 weeks offering some level of waterproofing. Offsite manufactured stairs could be lifted and used straight away, bringing time and safety benefits.
  • Composite roofing units: Kingspan roof cassette system used to sports hall roof offering fast water-tight time scales for its installation.
  • Fibre gypsum boards: As an alternative to standard plasterboard, Fermacell boards were used in the sports hall that have high durability and impact resistance so good for use in sports hall. As a result, no wet trades were required for finishing. The Fermacell boards are composed of recycled gypsum and paper so are environmentally better as it has no COSHH substances or additional glues. Also provides good fire resistance, acoustic performance and impact strength.

Our Learnings

  • There was a requirement for additional car parking spaces than originally planned; we provided these by changing the logistics for staff parking and providing a better solution for all stakeholders.
  • The revised piling/ground works scheme was reviewed collaboratively with the client through early engagement and the new solution resulting in minimised wastage, noise, dust and material use also including the added benefits for the safety, environment, community and cost/programme gain.

Value Added

  • We enhanced and worked closely with local agencies to achieve the SCF ESP targets. In total 272 training weeks were delivered across the scheme including 14 apprentices, 6 of which were new jobs created and 7 work experience placements.
  • Changing the logistics for staff parking created additional car parking spaces for the school providing a better solution for all stakeholders.

KPI’s & Statistics

ContractGateway 2 Planning Gateway 3 Contract AgreementVariation
Time71.7 weeks63.6 weeks-11.4%

Contact: Alan Smedley, Framework Manager
Email: alan.smedley@morgansindall.com

Totnes St John’s C of E Primary School Extension

/in , /by

Totnes St John’s C of E Primary School

Totnes, Devon


Project Details



Client

Devon County Council

Project Manager

NPS Group

Architect

NPS Group

Contractor

Morgan Sindall

Value

£1.6m

Contract Period

59 weeks

Procurement Type

Traditional

Form of Contract

NEC ECC Option A

Size

382 m2

Trainees

10

Project Brief

Works at Totnes St Johns CoE Primary School comprised the demolition of the existing temporary classroom and construction of a large two storey steel frame extension to the existing school. The new extension provided five new classrooms, group rooms, new toilet facilities, extension to existing hall and reshaping of the external footprint. The building was heated with underfloor heating and all classrooms had breathing systems installed, drawing fresh air in to the rooms, creating good working environments for the pupils.

The works all linked in to the existing school and required new openings and access ways formed to enable smooth passage from the existing school to the new extension.



Community Engagement

Career Development

  • Trainees provided with training through the project

Key Challenges

The school remained fully operational throughout the works and with shared site access and segregation requirements required the contractors worked closely with the school throughout to minimise the impact on teaching and learning. Weekly meetings were held with the head teacher to plan works, ensuring they were planned carefully, enabling all users to maintain a high quality of safety throughout the contract.

Works were sequenced so that the high risk demolition and steel lifting activities were undertaken during the school holidays. We had to keep in regular contact with the school and would speak with the headteacher most days. These were highlighted as key objectives in our customer charter. All possible access points to the construction site were secured with solid hoardings / secured gates.

The existing hall was extended to meet the requirements for the number of pupils currently at the school, requiring detailed client co-ordination and relocation of the school front entrance.

Project Takeaways

Our Success

  • Throughout the project we engaged well with the school, coordinating the works around their requirements to ensure that the safety of pupils was the upmost priority. We included the students at various stages of the project, including Ivor Goodsite Site Safety presentations,  buried time capsules and prayers in the wall.

Our Learnings

  • There were several challenges surrounding the structure of the existing school and building which caused significant delay to the project but we worked well with the client team to find a solution that worked for all parties.

Value Added

  • Morgan Sindall’s early engagement allowed us to complete a detailed appraisal of the project’s challenges and budget, offering our expertise and experience in dealing with the various logistical, design and financial constraints of the project.

KPI’s & Statistics

ContractGateway 2 Planning Gateway 3 Contract AgreementVariation
Cost£1,304,215£1,304,2150%
Time45.3 weeks45.3 week0 weeks

Interior view of the refurbished Police and Community HubMidas

Deane House

/in , , , , /by

Deane House

Taunton, Somerset


Project Details



Client
Somerset West & Taunton Council
Avon & Somerset Police

Project Manager
Somerset West & Taunton Council

Architect
HLM Architects

Contractor
Midas Construction Ltd

Value
£6.7m

Contract Period
55 weeks

Procurement Type
Competitive tender – 2 stage

Form of Contract
JCT Design & Build 2016

Size
5,600m²

Apprentices
17

Project Brief

This scheme saw the transformation of this flagship town centre office building to the north of Taunton town centre, headquarters of Taunton Deane Borough Council, to bring together a range of council services under one roof. Midas completed works to this live, three-storey building in phases to allow it to remain open and in use throughout.

Midas undertook this major project on behalf of joint clients Somerset West & Taunton Council and Avon & Somerset Police, to deliver an improved customer experience in a refreshed building that provided a modern and comfortable workspace for its staff. Bringing Taunton Police and the Council together in one building enables the community to access more public services from one convenient location.

The complete refurbishment of Deane House has produced a more energy efficient building that offers flexible, open plan working and communal spaces in Grade A office accommodation with high spec finishes throughout. The building can be adapted for future needs and has potential to accommodate additional public or private sector partners in the future.

The project received a score of 92% in the customer satisfaction survey at practical completion.



“We’re delighted to be celebrating the completion of this high-profile project with our customer, Taunton Deane Borough Council. The result looks fantastic and has really given the building a new lease of life. The success of the project has been driven by the work of the site team liaising closely with the Council, its partners, local residents and businesses to ensure what was a complex project ran smoothly, with the minimum of disruption to council services and people living and working locally.”

“I am delighted with these significant improvements to Deane House which reflect our new way of working, modernising what we do to focus even more on tackling customer needs, improving services and saving costs for our communities. The building is far more energy efficient, with a flexible working environment for our staff, and a new customer hub which provides a much better experience for our customers making processes more modern and efficient. Deane House is a superb local facility within the heart of the community where together with the Police we can now offer local people greater convenience by having public services under one roof.”

PreviousNext

Community Engagement

Career Development

  • 17 Apprentices provided with training through the project

Key Challenges

  • To safely manage works in this occupied building whilst maintaining public access, Midas completely enclosed the site with hoarding and fencing. The team segregated public routes, employed a traffic marshal to control site access, and installed an overhead fan at the rear staff entrance to protect users. Routes to and from the building were controlled and described within the site plans, with each area locked off and controlled by site staff. The team completed works to the new reception prior to removing the old reception, to maintain public access, and kept access and fire routes clear for Taunton Deane Borough Council (TDBC) staff. Internally, Midas segregated the building using floor to ceiling temporary partitioning, erected in early stages of each phase. The team formed the partitions with metal stud plasterboard, decorated and with skirting fitting on public facing sides to appear like a permanent wall for the aesthetic principal, whilst also providing acoustic protection. The team attached translucent film to some windows in occupied parts of the building to provide additional privacy for TDBC staff.
  • Midas completed an extensive best value review with the client in order to achieve a cost plan figure in line with their budget. Through early subcontractor involvement in design development at preconstruction, Midas delivered a total of £709k of savings to the client with a combination of best practice and added value reviews. The design team, led by the Midas Design and Build Manager, collaborated with subcontractors and specialist contractors to provide alternative best value product solutions and reviewed sequencing to resolve programme issues and mitigate delays, at a saving of £607k. The team saved an additional £39k through effective risk management and review.
  • Midas met with key Taunton Deane Borough Council (TDBC) staff prior to commencing each phase of works to amend site logistics whilst preserving safe and secure access for building users. Midas established segregated public access routes using pedestrian barriers externally and temporary partitioning internally, with all gates and doors secured. The team maintained communication with TDBC staff to discuss and agree access provision and ensure the preservation of emergency escape routes, and provided advance notice of noisy, vibratory or dusty work activities, scheduling these in line with TDBC requirements. Simon King (Project Manager) and representatives from TDBC met weekly and before each new phase of work, with the agenda including upcoming risks, any issues, phasing, the current programme and an update on sections handed over to the client to resolve any outstanding issues. These open forum meetings helped to ensure on-time completion.

Project Takeaways

Our Success

  • Midas conducted snagging checks on subcontractor works packages at the end of each phase, prior to completing client snagging, to ensure the team addressed any issues at each phase of the works. This resulted in minimal outstanding issues at practical completion and all snags closed off within a week. The team managed the phased snagging process through the Midas Quality Plan, agreeing the standard of the works with the client as the project progressed to meet their requirements at the end of each phase.
  • The logistics of the site changed regularly as Midas handed over phases of the works and commenced new phases. Midas implemented a bespoke traffic management plan including timed deliveries to avoid peak traffic times, and banked plant movement supervised by a full time, fully trained traffic marshal. Midas provided suppliers with route directions to the site, programmed and coordinated deliveries and provided holding areas to limit disruption to local traffic. The team controlled pedestrian access with designated crossing points and rerouted the public across a dedicated timber bridge over the grass. The bridge had an anti-slip surface with ramp access. If deliveries crossed the pedestrian right of way, the team used temporary pedestrian barriers. The full time gate controller managed contractor and visitor parking, escorting and directing visitors.
  • The site team completed some works outside of the Council’s operational hours, to minimise disruption, including significant weekend working. Midas maintained utilities connections to live areas of the building, completing a full shutdown and service swaps outside of the building’s operational hours.

Our Learnings

  • The building contained live services. This was a high risk removal due to the complexity of services above the grid. Midas isolated and checked prior to commencing demolition and soft strip works, completing ten weeks of diversion works prior to commencing, closing off and disconnecting services and water to sections of the building in phases in preparation for demolition. Midas maintained utilities connections to live areas of the building, completing a full shutdown and service swaps outside of the building’s operational hours. The team took down the old entrance lobby later in the programme, once the new reception was complete and in use. The site zoned off areas for demolition and segregated waste, removing waste through the segregated dedicated site entrance away from the live reception.

Value Added

  • This project worked to the Employment Skills Plan (ESP), including: supporting three 16+ work placements and one 14-16 work placement; supporting five curriculum activities including hosting a school site visit, an Employability Day for Clyst Vale Community College and a site visit for students from Bridgwater & Taunton College; supporting eight apprentice starts, three existing apprentices and six apprentice completions; supporting eight NVQ starts and six NVQ completions for subcontractors; advertising nine jobs through local employment vehicles; delivering nine training plans, four supervisor qualifications gained and four leadership and management qualifications gained for subcontractors; 59 qualifications gained for Advanced Health & Safety for subcontractors. The site also employed a Taunton resident, who had previously been in the armed forces, as a Trainee Site Manager.
  • The site employed local labour with 75% of the workforce living within a 30-mile radius of the site. The project supported the local economy with 100% of the total firms on site being small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), of which 50% were based within the local authority boundary.

KPI’s & Statistics

ContractGateway 2 Planning Gateway 3 Contract Agreement Variation
Cost£6,782,797£6,752,576-£30,221
-(0.4%)
Time63 weeks63 weeks0 weeks
(0%)

  • Apprentices: 17
  • Average AIR: 2.43
  • Average CCS score: 39.5
  • Waste diverted from landfill: 60.2%
  • Cost/m2: £1,178m²
  • Cost/m2 excl abnormals: £1,008m²