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Gilbert Inglefield Academy
Two storey teaching block providing 10 classrooms and a 3-court sports hall new build, and a combination of 4 separate refurbishment areas including 2 IT labs as well as remodelling the existing school to provide improvements to the school’s catering facilities, and administration areas. In addition, the project introduced new SEND therapy spaces and an external MUGA.
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The Challenge
- Initial feasibility studies completed for the project identified the requirement for multiple extensions and alterations to the existing school.
- Phasing of works
- The location for the new sports hall and teaching facility was on the existing school hard-play courts, which doubled as their fire muster point.
The Solution
- Through initial buildability engagement we were able to advise a review of the design to amalgamate the sports hall and teaching facility into one new standalone facility. Due to the design and build process, there was a variety of reviewable design data where approvals where required from the school. During the Client Engagement Meetings we set these as a key part of the agenda to ensure the data was reviewed with the school appropriately providing enough information to allow decisions to be made on time, such that on site activities were not impacted.
- Client engagement meetings (CEM) were carried out regularly with the project team during both the precon and construction phases. These meetings were especially productive for the site team to engage with the school’s headteacher, teachers and facilities manager to create a robust phasing plan due to the nature and number of small extensions and refurbishment areas located across the existing school.
3. The provision of the new multi-use games area (MUGA) court would provide the new play area and fire point, however, this commenced at the same time as the new build.
The Results
- Reviewing the data was especially beneficial for the refurbishment areas where the new finishes were installed early in the programme. Following further engagement, the existing kitchen and dining spaces were able to be relocated to an area of the school that had better construction access and existing services to facilitate.
- A detailed construction programme was produced accompanied with a master phasing plan, highlighting the programme periods in each section of work. Where possible, each section was coordinated to commence and complete in line with the school’s academic timetable. From this master phasing plan, detailed access and logistic plans were presented to the school for each work section. Through careful consideration of the school’s current operation, the phasing plans were tweaked to minimise disruption. As part of the induction process on site all operatives were briefed on the phasing plans for the project and the importance of the live school environment.
3. Through negotiation with Central Bedfordshire Council, we were able to re-surface the adjacent youth centre car-park in return for the school to use this facility as a muster point whilst the MUGA courts were being constructed.
4. Collaborative delivery of scheme within original programme parameters despite being impacted by COVID-19.
4
Apprentices
70%
SME Spend
£322,727
Added Value
9/10
Client Satisfaction
Client Testimonials
Contractor Performance | Commitments
Fair
100% payment within 30 days terms
Sustainability
94% waste diverted from landfill
100% timber responsibly sourced
Safe
Zero RIDDORs
CCS Score 42/45
Legacy
During the first month on site the construction team delivered a safety assembly to all students and staff at the school. With the help from Ivor Goodsite (CCS Mascot) a fine balance between humour and seriousness was struck to reinforce the importance for all stakeholders to be conscious of the construction works in a live school environment.
Virtual video tour for the local technical college
99 Apprenticeship weeks, 14 No of SMEs
14 beneficiaries, 7 jobs created, 114 trainee weeks,
Schools engagement: 600 students
£50 donations to charity, 20 volunteer hours
80% 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
Any site specific process/initiatives
SCF Framework Manager
James Wright
Email: james.wright@devon.gov.uk
Phone: 07761 330560
Contractor Framework Manager
Alan Smedley
Email: alan.smedley@morgansindall.com
Phone: 07967 686066
Vandyke Upper School
Three storey modular teaching block boasts new science labs and general classrooms relocating 6th form study areas, associated external works and two separate refurbishment areas offering more general teaching space and expands the school’s kitchen and dining area.
The Project Manager, James Wood, went on to win Construction Manager of the Year and showcased the project at the awards ceremony.
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The Challenge
A site-specific risk assessment should be in place prior to commencing work accounting for the local environment in which the work is undertaken. This highlighted the area beneath the cycle shelter is heavily populated with services feeding the school including LV, HV and Gas. Upon completing several trial holes in accordance with the services plan it was discovered the services were laid shallow in the ground with some having less than 500mm cover.
The Solution
As a result of the incoming services feeding a live school, lowering the services was not a feasible option due to an extended shutdown requirement whilst the works were ongoing. Therefore, a propriety protection board was proposed as a solution to protect the services. The cable protection was specified to be 230mm wide concrete tiles with marker tape to be installed above as a standard requirement. In order to install the protection board, the services needed to be fully exposed and the safest and most efficient method of ground clearance was Vacuum Excavation.
The Results
A site-specific risk assessment was in place prior to commencing work accounting for the local environment in which the work is undertaken.
Vacuum excavation avoided using mechanical means to dig near live services as well as significantly reducing the risk of service strike. It also meant there was no need to disrupt existing services feeding a live school thus the school was able to remain operational throughout the entire process avoiding any disruption.
Working with Eco Modular, the project team utilised off-site manufacturing to minimise disruption, create cost and time efficiencies and enhance the building’s sustainability performance. This created a high Pre-Manufactured Value (PMV) which meant the design could be strictly coordinated and managed with regular inspections, including stringent quality checks, via weekly factory visits. The project also had a high percentage of PMV MEP installation including containment, first fix, plant room design and structured cabling architecture.
The high percentage of PMV on the building produced a better-quality product with less rework and remaining onsite activities were predictable, plannable and labour loading was simpler. When Covid struck part-way through, it seemed the project may be in trouble but it was delivered on time and to budget in time for the school’s new academic year..
4
Apprentices
60%
SME Spend
£457,373k
Added Value
9/10
Client Satisfaction
Client Testimonials
Contractor Performance | Commitments
Safe
Zero RIDDORs
CCS Score 44/45
Any site specific initiatives
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
Any site specific process/initiatives
Fair
100% payment within 30 days terms
Legacy
A celebratory capsule burying ceremony marked the completion milestone for the students, teachers and project team who worked steadily throughout the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic to ensure the project was safely delivered on time
18 SMEs
19 beneficiaries
4 jobs created
112 trainee weeks
Schools engagement: 350 students
£600 donations to charity
61 volunteer hours
69% social value created
Sustainability
82% of the building by volume was constructed using offsite manufacturing providing a programme saving of 16 weeks over traditional methods
Water tightness was achieved within 2 weeks of modules being delivered speeding up the construction programme
97% waste diverted from landfill
100% timber responsibly sourced
SCF Framework Manager
James Wright
Email: james.wright@hants.gov.uk
Phone: 07761 330560
Contractor Framework Manager
Alan Smedley
Email: alan.smedley@morgansindall.com
Phone: 07967 686066
Stride TreglownEngineering and Digital Technology Park, University of Chichester
Engineering & Digital Technology Park, University of Chichester
Bognor Regis
Project Details
Client
University of Chichester
Project Manager
AECOM
Architect
Stride Treglown
Contractor
Galliford Try
Value
£21.3m
Contract Period
85 weeks
Procurement Type
Two-Stage
Form of Contract
NEC3 Option A
Size
6,340sqm
Apprentices
700 weeks
Project Summary
The Engineering and Digital Technology Park provides a purpose built facility for the Engineering & Design and Creative & Digital Technologies departments. A landmark STEM building that was officially opened by the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.
In addition to providing a range of research and practical spaces for these two departments, the new building includes the creation of a Research Centre for Sustainable Operations and Departments of Data Science and Advanced Engineering & Design.
The building is available for use by the industry and provides a large multipurpose engineering laboratory incorporating workshop, cleanroom and wet area, facilities to teach electronics and Computer Aided Design (CAD), a fabrication laboratory, prototype manufacturing facilities and collaborative co-working spaces.
The Creative & Digital Technologies Department includes 2no. sound stages, digital editing studios as well as a TV production studio, green room, social learning spaces and ancillary facilities.
The site is located within a flood zone 3 area, which posed a significant challenge for the design and construction, involving Galliford Try and the design team undertaking significant flood risk assessment modelling to ensure the design was deliverable.
This important project for the area was opened by the Duke and Duchess of Sussex in October 2018 and achieved BREEAM Excellent.
“The university’s engineering and digital technology park will produce the engineering and scientific skills that the UK economy needs, particularly at a time when Brexit gives an even greater emphasis on the need for our economy to be internationally and industrially competitive.”
Project Takeaways
Value Added
- BREEAM Excellent
- Social Added Value: £275,705
KPI’s & Statistics
| Contract | Gateway 2 Planning | Gateway 3 Contract Agreement | Variation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost | £32m | £21.3m (included scope reduction) | -33.60% |
| Time | 77 weeks | 85 weeks | 10.70% |
- Average CCS Score: 41
Marland School
Marland School
Torrington, Devon
Project Details
Client
Devon County Council
Project Manager
NPS Group
Architect
NPS Group
Contractor
Morgan Sindall
Value
£3.8m
Contract Period
98 weeks
Procurement Type
Build with CDP
Form of Contract
NEC ECC Option A
Size
1,158m2
Apprentices
3
Project Summary
Marland School is a pioneering establishment and makes up one of 10 special schools in the Devon wide SENtient Co-operative Foundation Trust, maintained by Devon County Council’s Local Education Authority.
These outstanding school accommodation buildings, funded by Devon County Council were a two phase development creating a new Specialised Educational Needs facility in North Devon. The first phase was to create a new traditional build accommodation block for the provision of 25 new term-time residential places for Year 6 to 11 male students from across Devon.
Attractively dressed in vertical larch timber cladding sat on brickwork, the building blends effortlessly with the surrounding environment. The traditional build structure comprised of strip foundations, insitu concrete, with block and brick external walls, timber trussed roofing, along with metal cladding finishing off the highly sustainable build. Marland School is a highly energy efficient, environmentally friendly building for future generations.
The second phase focused on the refurbishment of existing residential accommodation within the main school. This included widening corridors, forming openings, layout changes and new electrical and mechanical installations. The main aim of the project was to provide separation of educational and residential accommodation.
Phase 2 of the project was completed in conjunction with the building being occupied with pupils. Both phases were completed successfully on time, within the 92 weeks period and receiving Perfect Delivery by the client.
Key Challenges
Working on a live SEN site
The safeguarding of pupils was the main priority throughout the works, with full segregation of the works, high security measures and strict access/ egress controls to and from site. Any potential disruptive works such as the isolation and installation of services during Phase 1, were undertaken during the school holidays, when the building was unoccupied. These overlapped works between Phases 1 and 2 of the refurbishment were required to be completed before students occupied the completed Phase 1 area, allowing the Phase 2 work area to be isolated.
Coordinated deliveries in a small village location
Coordinating deliveries in a small village location with unsuitable roads for articulated lorries: Deliveries were scheduled on ridged loads or broken down to small lorries. The roof trusses were re-designed to arrive in two sections and bolted on-site due to transit restrictions.
Project Takeaways
Our Success
- Creating a positive transition for pupils, allowing students to visit the new residential accommodation and interacting positively with them and answering any questions.
- Providing a smooth process for all parties; ensuring any client concerns and issues were dealt with promptly throughout the project.
- Regular safety meetings and security was critical, particularly within a live SEN school, these ensured the site was always safe and to a high standard.
Our Learnings
- There were minor isolated quality issues, however these were quickly resolved.
- The tender period was challenging and longer than expected, therefore regular communication of delays is required.
Value Added
- Extensive VE was carried out, generating a saving of £190k.
- Both phases of the project were completed successfully on time, within the 92 weeks period and received Perfect Delivery from the client.
KPI’s & Statistics
| Contract | Gateway 2 Planning | Gateway 3 Contract Agreement | Variation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost | £3,452,052 | £3,766,728 | 9.1% |
| Time | 74 weeks | 78 weeks | 5.4% |
Okehampton Primary School
Okehampton Primary School
Okehampton, Devon
Project Details
Client
Devon County Council
Project Manager
NPS Group
Architect
NPS Group
Contractor
Morgan Sindall
Value
£4.76m
Contract Period
56 weeks
Procurement Type
Framework competitive
Form of Contract
NEC 3 Short Contract
Apprentices
5
Project Summary
Brand new 450 place primary school and associated nursery on a sloping site, within a new housing development on the outskirts of Devon. Construction generally comprised of load-bearing insulation panels for walls, with steelwork bracing to form a two-storey classroom block with ancillary accommodation and double-storey height hall. External works involved hard and soft play areas, MUGA pitch, sports field with two football pitches, landscaping, drainage works and road access.
Key Challenges
Deliveries during adverse weather conditions
Updated the strategy of coordinating deliveries upon arrival to eliminate any difficulties.
School vacation of temporary classrooms no later than 1/4/2018
Robust programming and logistics ensured the school was available for students to start at the agreed date after Easter.
Project Takeaways
Our Success
- Constant communication with the client and sub-contractors with updates on project activities, proactively controlled delays and cost differences.
- Continuous communications with key stakeholders including the client, whole project team, end-user, diocese of Exeter and Devon County Council formed excellent working relationships with the whole team providing a smooth project process.
KPI’s & Statistics
| Contract | Gateway 2 Planning | Gateway 3 Contract Agreement | Variation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost | £4,354,992 | £4,375,899 | 0.5% |
| Time | 34.1 weeks | 34.0 weeks | -0.4% |
Bristol Operations Centre
Following the successful completion of Phase 1, Phase 2 refurbishment of Bristol City Council’s headquarters at Temple Street, Bristol including the creation of a new Operations Centre on one floor which provides the central hub for all CCTV cameras in the city. The room also acts as the control centre for major incidents and thus has a higher level of security than the rest of the building.
The Challenge
Provision of high security to one floor and fit out to the rest of the building whilst remaining a live operational building.
The Solution
Specialist and security systems included the installation of a video wall system which feature images from CCTV cameras that operators can play numerous images on enabling them to split the screen or zoom in.
The refurbishment also included CAT 6 data wiring, installation of a new generator, UPS and air conditioning. The new switch panel was installed over 3 weekends as the building remained occupied.
Fit out to the first floor for the Department of Work and Pensions were phased to keep staff entrances live throughout with minimal disruption. Deliveries were planned carefully. Any drilling was not undertaken after 8.30am
The Results
Building handed over on time and within budget whilst remaining operational throughout the works.
4
Apprentices
92.3%
SME Spend
8/10
Client Satisfaction
Client Testimonials
Contractor Performance | Commitments
Fair
100% payment within 30 days terms
Sustainability
100% timber responsibly sourced
Safe
Zero RIDDORs
Legacy
23 No of SMEs
22 Beneficiaries
2 Work experience placements
16 jobs created
3 curriculum support activities
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
SCF Framework Manager
Kingsley Clarke
Email: kingsley.clarke@devon.gov.uk
Phone: 07805 760622
Contractor Framework Manager
Alan Smedley
Email: alan.smedley@morgansindall.com
Phone: 07967 686066
Tufnell Park Primary School
Tufnell Park Primary School
Islington, London
Project Details
Client
London Borough of Islington
Project Manager
Baily Garner
Architect
Haverstock
Contractor
Morgan Sindall
Value
£14.2 million
Contract Period
81 weeks
Procurement Type
Design & Build
Form of Contract
JCT 2011 D&B
Size
3,252 sqm
Project Summary
A new 3FE modular primary school and associated landscaping with new MUGA (Multi-Use Games Area) to replace an existing 1.5FE school. The pupils from the existing school were housed in temporary classrooms while the old school was demolished to make way for the new school. Demolition took place in two phases with one building remaining operational throughout the build and was demolished once the school had decanted into the new building.
The new school is a modular construction by Eco Modular.
“Our project team is extremely experienced and adept at delivering high-quality education projects, often working in logistically challenging urban environments across London, and on live sites. We will bring this knowledge to bear on this development, doing our utmost to minimise disruption, engage both school users and the local community and manage the project to a high standard to ensure the journey to completion is a positive one for all stakeholders.”
Key Challenges
Four metre difference in site levels from pavement level to where the school building is located
A substantial cut and fill was carried out on the site to level it out and a retaining wall was constructed on three sides.
Challenging access and limited space
The site was landlocked by neighbouring properties on three sides and the site was very tight, making access to it very challenging. In the planning stages, permission for the retaining wall of a listed building was sought, but it wasn’t communicated properly how much working space was needed, which resulted in very limited space on each side of the building.
The modular build was proposed by Morgan Sindall as a solution to the tight site and limited access. Eco modular, who provided the building, also carried out the fit-out meaning there was only one contractor to manage for the whole of the building.
There was very little storage on the tight site, so “just in time” deliveries were scheduled to avoid having to store materials on site. All materials had to be craned in or hand-balled over a bridge and entered the building on the first floor.
Live School environment
Working in a live school environment with school children in very close proximity to the site and having to maintain services to the remaining school building.
A road closure was put in place for five weeks whilst the modular building was being delivered and craned into place. During this time, access still needed to be maintained for a special needs school opposite the site, so the road was only closed between the entrance and exit to the school.
The site team worked with the school to get the site set up initially. A good relationship with the school and local community was maintained throughout the course of the project, with regular site visits by the school’s headteacher and office manager as well as letter drops to neighbours.
Site of Interest for Nature Conservation with a number of Tree Preservation Orders
The site team worked with the school to get the site set up initially. A good relationship with the school and local community was maintained throughout the course of the project, with regular site visits by the school’s headteacher and office manager as well as letter drops to neighbours.
Royal Veterinary College: Hobday Building
Royal Veterinary College – Hobday Building
Camden, London
Project Details
Client:
Royal Veterinary College
Project Manager:
Royal Veterinary College
Architect:
Rivington Street Studios
Contractor:
Morgan Sindall
Value:
£7.5 million
Contract Period:
49 weeks
Procurement Type:
Design & Build
Form of Contract:
JCT 2016
Project Brief
The extensive internal and external remodelling and refurbishment of the Hobday Building at the Royal Veterinary College campus in Camden, London. This major refurbishment upgraded and modernised the college’s teaching and communal facilities, which dated back to the 1930’s, to meet current and future demand for student places and to provide a modern state-of-the-art facility to rival international colleges.
Working in a fully functioning college, the remodelling works included a new dining hall, student break out spaces, new laboratories, staff rooms and offices, new WC’s, the entire replacement of an old goods lift and the installation of a new disabled access lift.
Key Challenges
Working on a tight, occupied site
The major challenge of the project was carrying out significant demolition works, strip out of existing facilities, adding new structures and making structural alterations to the existing building with no reduction in occupancy.
We would usually expect this level of works to take place in a vacated building which we had full possession of, with all utilities switched off and temporary services in place, and no concerns about deliveries or movement of people. Carrying out these works in a fully functioning live college of 600 students and 75 staff required meticulous planning, collaboration and communication from both client and site teams.
The programme was developed in phases to allow the college to remain fully operational throughout, including a fully functioning summer school.
Working with animals and accommodating the client
Demolition and major structural alterations were carried out in a fully operational college which, in addition to the staff and students, housed several animals on site including two horses and two cows!
The only outside space was a thoroughfare used for all construction traffic and footfall, access to the site office and the college itself. An agreed process was in place – overseen by our logistics manager – to ensure all animals were safe and not stressed by the works, and that the site staff were safe, when the animals were moved.
From 08:00 to 08:30 and from 16:30 to 17:00 every day, they site team stood down works, cleared and cleaned the area so the animals could pass through safely with no hoist in use, no deliveries planned, no forklifts and no noisy works.
Managing logistics in a very constrained, live site
External space was extremely restricted with only one entrance shared with the college. Just-in-time deliveries were scheduled by our logistics manager, for both the construction site and the college – and across a busy cycle lane – and were all managed by our permanent gateman. Once inside the site, our telehandler unloaded materials which would either be transported by hand to the workforce or enter the building via the hoist at the back of the building.
All materials in and waste out had to pass through a space no larger than a double door. This included plasterboard, steel, timber and bricks.
Keeping to programme while managing asbestos removal
The RVC’s asbestos register didn’t accurately represent the extent of the asbestos throughout the building and a demolition survey was carried out that identified a significant amount more.
The site team managed £300,000 worth of asbestos removal, which was not in the original package of works, without impacting on the programme. This was achieved through communication and collaboration with the client to compile a programme that allowed access to remove asbestos and seal off areas in phases, whilst maintaining access, escape routes and safe working environments for all students and staff.
This was achieved in nine phases, working at night to remove the asbestos, moving it out of the building first thing in the morning and sealing the area during the day before releasing it back to the college once it had been given the all-clear.
Where work had to be carried out on classrooms, disruption was minimised by shutting down the area on a Thursday night and carrying out the equivalent of seven shifts across the weekend so the classroom could be opened up again on Monday morning.
Refurbishment of specialist laboratories
The college’s laboratories were stripped out and refurbished using specialist contractors to design, fabricate and install the laboratory furniture, install reverse osmosis key and medical gas services.
We created new and refurbished fume cupboards and worked with the design team on a brief from users on where to install power, using antibacterial wall trunking.
Specific antibacterial floor and ceiling finishes were sourced to maintain cleanliness and antistatic. The programme was built with specialists and subcontractors to lay flooring after all other works have been carried out to ensure they were 100% sealed and the finish protected.
Contact: Ray Mcauley
Email: ray.mcauley@morgansindall.com
City College, STEM Building
City College, STEM Building
Plymouth, Devon
Project Details
Client
City College
Architect
ADG
Structural/ Civil Engineer
WSP
M&E Engineer:
Hydrock
Contractor
Kier Construction
Value
£9m
Contract Period
March 2016 – July 2017
Form of Contract
JCT 2001 Design & Build
Apprentices
3 Apprentices
Placements
9 weeks work placements
Project Summary
The design and construction of a new Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) building, along with remodelling and refurbishment of the existing adjacent hall to create a performing arts faculty with associated external works. The project consisted of a 5 storey concrete frame new build with steel frame and atrium.
Specialist design requirements included acoustic work on the ground floor for the music rooms and recording studios.
The design changed to incorporate £1m of value engineering. In the basement the performing arts changing was withdrawn, a handrail around the building for ease of maintenance and the column at the front was changed from square to a v.
Difficulties overcome included the lead designers relying heavily on our design managers and was a big project for the lead architect who struggled to keep up with the pace of the programme
The client was very happy with the result of the design, in particular the cladding and overhang. The result was lots of space for the budget and the internal spaces were well received.
Kier took a lead role in the design management of the project in order to keep to the programme.
Community Engagement
Career Development
- During the project there were 3 management apprentices in Structural engineering from Plymouth University. The project supported the Step In and Step Up programme to encourage career changes into construction and also facilitated a 2 week placement in site management for a former Royal Marine.
Key Challenges
Live Campus
Live campus environment required weekly co-ordination meetings with the Clients estates team to ensure deliveries were kept a a minimum during peak campus activity.
Demolition
Demolition of existing building on a live campus. To minimise risk, demolition of the existing building was carried out during school holidays. A robust risk method statement was developed which included dampening dust and protective screens over large glazing.
Project Takeaways
Our Success
- Value management was carried out on the existing building roof through overlaying a roofing system rather than replacing the entire roof. It was identified that there was no requirement for new plant, resulting in a quick solution and avoided lost time.
- Examples of value engineering on the project included reducing the depths of overhangs on the eaves. This created a more definite frame, reducing construction of the floor overhang to be supported from the ground. The style of the balustrades was also changed and the atrium changed from glass roof to 3 large roof lights.
- Best practice of innovation is demonstrated in the curved handrails on the roof; they have been designed so that they are not visible from the ground but still ensure safety when carrying out maintenance on the roof.
- Innovation was demonstrated through the concrete wash out used.
Our Learnings
- To ensure the safety and security of the site, there was a full hoarding around the perimeter which was inspected daily, skips were covered and delivery restrictions at peak times.
- Off-site storage was established so that materials only arrived on site when required.
Value Added
- The key cost drivers were the financial targets and due to a client funding agreement there was a turnover date that had to be met.
- The programme was driven by the College who needed the building to be in use for September 2017.
UWE Glenside Laundry Building Conversion
UWE Glenside Laundry Building Conversion
University West of England, Bristol
Project Details
Client
University West of England
Contractor
Kier Construction
Value
£3m
Contract Period
41 weeks
Form of Contract
JCT Building Contracts with CDPs 2016
Project Summary
The conversion of a former Laundry Building in to a new Clinical Skills and Simulation Centre for the University of the West of England, Bristol.
The completed facility will provide the University with Optometry, Rehabilitation, Practical Skills Teaching Paramedics, changing and shower facilities and CPD Spaces with storage and plant rooms within a Basement that has ground floor level access.
Located on the University’s Glenside Campus, in Bristol, the building works were carried out within the live education and residential environment.
“Following Optometry’s occupation of the Glenside Laundry on Monday, I wanted to send you this congratulatory note. The mammoth operation which you have successfully lead so that PC was achieved on the entire development, has been so welcomed by my colleagues across the University, many of whom are eager to spread the word, what a great learning environment we now have.”
“The feedback I have received on your Project Management abilities from across the project team, has been consistently strong. I can recall many conversations with members of the UWE team, where they have expressed an appetite to build upon the relationships established on this project; in my view, a great indicator of success.”
Key Challenges
Asbestos Removal
During the project there were a number of challenges which were highlighted and overcome through good communication and desire to provide a high-quality building.
The asbestos removal was a challenge as the scope continually expanded due to unforeseen areas not located in the original asbestos survey.
The site team communicated with the client at an early stage to allow the client to fully understand what additional work was required. This allowed a good working relationship to continue between both parties.
Location
The location of the project created a number of logistical constraints due to the limited space surrounding the project and the busy nature of the University campus.
Client Approval
During the early stages of the project, a traffic management plan was developed and issued to the client for approval. The plan allowed the client to fully understand the construction logistic requirements and highlight any potential disruptions.
Disruptions
Throughout the project, the Kier site team regularly communicated with the University about any disruptions such as crane lifts and concrete pumps. During these activities, Kier gave adequate notice to the client regarding the disruptions and went onto position signage and barriers to communicate the temporary disruption to the University users.
Limited Storage Facilities
The site was also challenged with limited material storage facilities which were managed through material procurement; only requesting the materials which were required, not bulk procurement. This allowed the storage facilities to be managed while providing a well-managed and maintained site.
Project Takeaways
Our Success
- The key project drivers were to develop a design solution which met the Client’s afforded budget and deliver the completed building for the start of the September academic term.
- The project commenced with removal of asbestos in various locations and lead paint from existing walls to display the glazed brickwork behind.
- Design coordination was done utilising the BIM model to ensure we de-risked design through clash detection, ensuring the new and existing structure didn’t clash with newly installed services.
Our Learnings
- Various demolitions to the existing structure were undertaken to allow the Client to obtain the required space and access routes from the existing University facilities.
- Included in the demolitions was the removal of the existing window lanterns which were replaced with new lanterns to allow the building to have an enhanced thermal performance.
- The pre-construction and operational team were central to supporting the University in developing a project-specific BIM Execution Plan and Employer’s Information Requirements (EIRs) which aligned to the traditional nature of the contract. Within the EIRs it became apparent that affixing identification tags or labels, to assets, was key to delivering continuity across their estate. These were installed to both fixed and movable assets to provide a way to identify individual assets throughout their useful life.
Value Added
- The project was fully fitted out to a clinical standard including replacement of all M&E systems and new optometry training booths to the Client’s requirements.
- This new space adds an extra 1,400 square metres of flexible teaching, learning and assessment space for a range of programmes, including a new Advanced Practice Apprenticeship award, which the Faculty of Health and Applied Sciences have been successfully awarded by Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire Sustainability and Transformation Partnership.
- The refurbishment of the former Laundry has been awarded a SKA Silver rating from the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors for its considerate environmental design and use of materials in the project.
