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Bristol Humanities Hub

The new state-of-the-art Humanities Building is in the Arts Complex surrounded by a series of handsome of Victorian villas with Woodland Road nearby.

  • Client

    University of Bristol

    University of Bristol

  • Contractor

    ISG

  • Value

    £9.8m

    £9.8m

  • Completion Date

    January 2020

    January 2020

Procurement Type:
Two Stage

Form of Contract:
NEC version 4

Contract Period: 86 weeks

Size: 29,375 sq ft

The Challenge

Restricted footprint – The dimensions of the site were 30 x 70m in a complex urban live environment adjacent to occupied Grade II listed properties.

Demolition in a confined live environment – The confined nature of the site required sensitive demolition.

Impact on adjacent Grade II Listed buildings – The original site comprised of an existing single storey building and external courtyard space, located behind the two main Grade ΙΙ listed villas.

Basement design – A key project driver was the basement solution confirmed as this was vital to achieving the budget and programme.

Design of the retaining structure – With budget and programme constraints to consider, a hybrid solution was developed, which moved away from the simplest option of using contiguous piling in all three areas.

Ventilation solution and occupancy level assumptions – We reduced occupancy levels, which enabled natural ventilation to be considered. This supported the aspiration in line with BREEAM Excellent.

The Solution

Restricted footprint – Due to the confines of the site, we could not use mobile cranes as these would have required lorries to support the mobile cranes, increasing congestion of local roads to an impractical level for our neighbours. As an alternative, we used a tower crane which occupied less room occupying only 5 x 5m and preventing unnecessary disturbance to the local community.

Demolition in a confined live environment – Demolition was planned to have minimum impact on students, faculty and adjacent privately owned student accommodation during holiday periods starting in July 2018. In collaboration with the client’s facilities management team, we isolated fire alarms and ensured there was a temporary fire strategy for retained buildings following demolition of existing structures.

Impact on adjacent Grade II Listed buildings – Adjacency to existing buildings was immediately identified during the pre-construction phase as a key area of design risk. Early works involved re-evaluating the basement perimeter, to increase the area between existing buildings and the boundary, whilst maximising the footprint to accommodate a lecture theatre, cinema, and plant room.

Basement design – The original basement depth and proximity to existing structures (party wall) and retained teaching facilities presented a risk to construction. During the design phase we relocated the basement, minimising the risk to programme, cost, and buildability. Our design team reviewed spatial planning and reconfigured internal layouts which were agreed in collaboration with the client’s project manager and client stakeholders. Our solution used off-site manufactured pre-cast basement walls which reduced programme time. This demonstrated a six-week saving to the original programme.

Design of the retaining structure – Retaining structure solutions:

  • Contiguous pile wall to part of the perimeter as a retaining system for two sides of the lecture theatre on the Northeast of the site, this is pinned with free standing cantilevers
  • Slope batters at 2.1m for remaining basement wall structure
  • Waterproofed contiguous pile wall with masonry face, incorporating drainage gulley
  • Precast wall favoured for remaining walls, with integrated damp proof membrane and stone backfill placed between the building’s steel frame structure

Ventilation solution and occupancy level assumption – We introduced natural ventilation on the first floor. Using thermal modelling we reassessed and rationalised the mechanical to natural ventilation. This aligned the scheme with the client’s aspiration to have natural ventilation wherever possible. This allowed reduction in the requirements of ventilation. We reduced large ducts within and on the side of the building creating additional floor space. We removed the need for large risers allowing us to provide extra cupboards and increased floor plan space.

The Results

  • To overcome the restricted footprint, ISG worked closely with Bristol City Council Highways Department to create a traffic-controlled loading lane on the busy Tyndalls Road. This enabled the efficient offload of materials via the site tower crane
  • By sequencing the demolition, we prevented possible uncontrolled collapse. This was achieved by the buildings being munched down to ground rather than dropped
  • Vibration monitoring ensured piling works for both the adjoining wall and the basement floor, from which the steel frame is mounted, did not impact on adjacent properties
  • The priority was to re-design the basement perimeter, with the requirement to both minimise risk to adjacent properties and enable sufficient space to construct the retaining walls. By re-positioning, the plant room, and subsequent risers, whilst maintaining the position of the lecture theatre, adequate space was created
  • ISG aligned the scheme with the client’s aspiration to have natural ventilation.

6


Apprentices

79%


SME Spend

£760k


Added Value

84%


Client Satisfaction

Client Testimonials

“I have much pleasure in welcoming you to the School of Humanities, a leading centre for teaching, learning and research the humanities located in the dynamic port city of Bristol.”

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Contractor Performance | Commitments

Fair

100% payment within 30-day terms

Sustainability

100% waste diverted from landfill.

BREEAM Excellent

Green roof, photovoltaics, natural ventilation

Safe

Zero RIDDORs

CCS Score 42/50

Legacy

4 Open Doors sessions

34 attendees to a Women in Property site visit

WOWEX (World of Work Experience) – 18 attendees with 5 accepted onto ISG’s apprenticeship programme

10 school and college visits engaging 400 young people

15 community events

10 jobs created

Aftercare

Handover & Aftercare Contractor Promise

SCF Framework Manager

Kingsley Clarke

Email: kingsley.clarke@devon.gov.uk

Phone: 07805760622

Hamilton SEN School

  • Client

    Reading Borough Council

    Reading Borough Council

  • Contractor

    ISG

  • Value

    £7.7m

    £7.7m 

  • Completion Date

    2nd February 2022

    February 2022

Procurement Type:
Two Stage Traditional

Form of Contract:
JCT 2016

Contract Period: 65 weeks

Size: 25,854 sq ft

A cross laminated timber (CLT) frame, specialist education facility for 64 pupils with SEMH (social, emotional, and mental health) needs, catering to students within the age range 11 – 18.

The Challenge

Delivering within budget – RBC required an educational establishment that was robust, delivered on time and within budget. Upon ISG’s appointment, the scheme was £1m over budget.

Collaborative working during the global pandemic – Covid prevented ISG and the client team from co-locating for the entirety of the preconstruction journey.

Maintaining operational continuity of neighbouring Maiden Erlegh School – The site was in close proximity to Maiden Erlegh School, a live educational facility within a busy residential neighbourhood.

Fast track programme – In the scheme, there was an inflexible deadline. It had to be ready by the first day of class for the new academic year.

Soft landings for a student ready space upon occupation – Although the install of the services went well, our Mechanical & Electrical (M&E) contractor encountered challenges while procuring the new transformer for the upgraded supply.

The Solution

Delivering within budget – Upon appointment the project was £1m over budget. ISG worked with Department for Education (DfE) to provide value engineering (VE) expertise without compromising on quality. £600k savings were sourced by DfE, and ISG sourced the remaining £400k through hosting VE workshops. VE items included the façade and a reduced furniture, fixtures, and equipment (FF&E) package achieved through collaboration with the client and suppliers. The new specialist education facility at Hamilton SEN School has been shortlisted for the 2022 Civic Building of the Year and SPACES Awards.

Collaborative working during the global pandemic – Despite not being able to co-locate for the duration of the preconstruction period ISG ensured a shared vision was established from day one. A tailored stakeholder and communications plan ensured expectations between RBC and our team were understood and met. We led collaborative online workshops to create a Project Charter which outlined key objectives for the project. Featured on this charter were objectives such as:

  • Engagement with staff, students, and Maiden Erlegh Secondary School
  • Soft landings for a student ready space
  • High quality of finishes

Maintaining operational continuity of neighbouring Maiden Erlegh School – As well as designing our logistics plan around the school to avoid delivery bottle necks during school hours, ISG hosted five site tours for 26 students at the neighbouring Maiden Erlegh Secondary School and Phoenix College. Students were able to witness our works progressing month-to-month and were able to see first-hand how a safe building site was run. We also regularly dropped newsletters to the school advising of our noisy works schedule and letting them know what to expect on the project in the coming months.

Fast track programme – HCC proposed an ‘off-site solution’ for the new build extension. This was constructed from Cross Laminated Timber panels (CLT). The panels were manufactured off-site in Austria and shipped to site, where they were erected with a self-erecting tower crane. The panels simply slotted, interlocked, and then were screwed together to form the structure and roof decks; a textbook example of Modern Methods of Construction (MMC). Works progressed from flat slab to ‘completed building’ in two weeks, with a further two weeks of screws and snagging.

Soft landings for a student ready space upon occupation – There was live power to the building, but only 80% of the required capacity. This was sufficient for commissioning not for occupation. With regular site meetings with SSE and manufacturers we were able to increase the capacity locally to allow commissioning and occupation of the new school space.

The Results

  • Delivered the new space within budget thanks to our VE solutions
  • The Project Charter promoted common goals within our integrated project team
  • The neighbouring Maiden Erlegh School reported no disruption during our works, and its students were thrilled to be invited to site to see our works progressing
  • HCC’s design proposal to use CLT for the new build extension promoted good airtightness and in turn reduces operational carbon and cost in the long term.

Air tightness targeted was 5, and we achieved an impressive 1.7. This construction methodology resulted in a programme acceleration resulted in the project being handed over 5 days earlier than planned

  • The building was delivered student ready for occupation

2


Apprentices

100%


SME Spend

£400k

Through VE workshops



Added Value

92%


Client Satisfaction

Client Testimonials

“Thanks for showing around the group from Hamilton School this afternoon. I lost count of the number of times Mandy and Jill [Head teacher and SEMH officer] said ‘Wow’! Not sure which space they were most excited about really; certainly, the life skills and kitchen which will enable pupils to learn more effectively knowing they will be well fed.”

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Contractor Performance | Commitments

Fair

100% payment within 30 days

Sustainability

HCC’s design proposal to use CLT to promote good airtightness, formed HCC’s drive to reduce carbon. Air tightness targeted was 5, and we achieved an impressive 1.7.

96.2% waste diverted from landfill

Safe

Zero RIDDORs

Legacy

2 new apprentices

Supporting 6 existing apprentices

7 jobs created

28 training weeks, 135 apprentice weeks

School visits organised with local School, Maiden Erlegh

£200 raised for Salvation Army Xmas Present Appeal

Aftercare

Handover & Aftercare Contractor Promise

SCF Framework Manager

James Wright 

Email: james.wright@hants.gov.uk  

Phone: 07761 330560

CSE Innovation Centre

University of Westminster

  • Client

    University of Westminster

  • Contractor

    Willmott Dixon logo

  • Value

    £1.6m

  • Completion Date

    Autumn 2021

The Challenge

Willmott Dixon were appointed to deliver a £1.6m refurbishment in time for the 2021/2022 academic year. In order to meet this deadline, there was a very restricted programme, which was to be delivered in an occupied building.

The University of Westminster wanted to improve the overall student experience by creating flexible and engaging multi-purpose spaces.

The Solution

Specialist teams from Willmott Dixon refurbished the ground and lower ground floors at the university’s building.

On the ground floor, three existing rooms have been repurposed to create a new, single, and accessible open plan area for work-based learning, with non-structural walls removed to enlarge the space.

A new heating and cooling system was implemented to improve the building’s thermal efficiency. Other improvements consisted of new lighting, flooring and stackable furniture, and a new AV system, including the latest display technology for wireless projection.

The Results

The 10-week project has delivered 8,500 sq ft of flexible and engaging space across 8 weeks within the building’s CSE Innovation Centre. The new space has been designed to switch between a 40 seater programming lab and a collaborative working area.

The space is also used to showcase student work, research posters sessions, and presentations, and act as additional meeting space.

Delivered on time enabling use at the beginning of the 2021/2022 academic year.


Client Testimonials

Willmott Dixon Interiors has delivered a fantastic project. Despite a very restricted programme in an occupied building, they completed the works on time. Their team was very professional, proactive and hardworking. They showed great collaboration with the building users and provided regular updates on the progress. The Innovation Space is superb and will attract a lot of students and visitors. I will be very happy to work WDI again in the future.

We are extremely pleased that this project has been successfully delivered, it has really highlighted the benefits of the SCF’s collaborative process and I am sure the students will enjoy their new state of the art facilities.

This is an exciting project that has re-imagined the space across two floors of the Cavendish Building at the University of Westminster. We have created a highly engaging and multipurpose workspace that delivers enhanced teaching and learning facilities to enrich the student experience and showcase the School to potential applicants.

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SCF Framework Manager

James Wright

Email: james.wright@hants.gov.uk

Phone: 07761 330560

Contractor Framework Manager

Guy Dawes

Email: guy.dawes@willmottdixon.co.uk

Phone: 07989179444

The Box, Plymouth

  • Client

    Plymouth City Council

  • Contractor

  • Value

    £28m

  • Completion Date

    April 2020

The Challenge

The Box is one of the largest new multi-disciplinary arts and museum spaces, housing Plymouth’s most important heritage collections on one site. A grade two listed building creating heritage attractions has been further underlined by delivering a landmark that celebrates Plymouth’s role shaping world history.

The existing museum became outdated and needed re-energising. Having tabled a scoping brief headed ‘love our past – step into our future’. Research at the time revealed local people’s views: “Its somewhere to go in Plymouth that is interactive, lots of learning – and fun” (MHS – Hero’s) and It really shoes Plymouth off (city bus employ) Design challenge: To transform Plymouths Grade II listed museum, library and adjacent church into a cutting-edge facility boasting 7 galleries and 6 exhibition areas, in a space three times the original site’s size, so required intelligent engineering. Also to include a) 55m² lobbied frozen store to been incorporated into the basement below the main space, b) to house 24,000 boxes and, c) a new piazza which to link the buildings.

The Solution

It was decided to demolish the rear of the existing Central Library and design to convert the Central Library with City Museum and form a rear museum extension with archive facilities; convert St Luke’s church to an exhibition space linked by an new external piazza and adapted highway works.

The Results

The final results are exemplar, Plymouth and its’ community expectations have been far exceeded and is testament to the original brief and allowing the early formation of an integrated team approach.


8


Apprentices

94.1%


Achieved Local SME

£4.7m


Added Value

9/10


Client Satisfaction

Contractor Performance | Commitments


Fair

98% of regular payments and have payment periods not exceeding 30 days


Sustainability

Undertook over 50 community activities and events – see more

Won Construction Excellence south west awards: Building Project of the Year Award, 2021


Safe

Zero RIDDORs


Legacy

Awards: Since opening The Box has been locally, nationally and internationally recognised receiving 19 awards, including:

European Museum of the Year 2022 – Special Commendation,

iESE Public Sector Transformation Awards 2021 – Use of Digital and Technology for ‘The Box on The Box’ – Silver and,

Michelmores 2021 Property Awards – Leisure & Tourism Project of the Year – Winner and Building of the Year – Winner


Aftercare

Opened during Covid, the team are updating monitoring soft landings

SCF Framework Manager

Kingsley Clarke

Email: kingsley.clarke@devon.gov.uk

Phone: 07805760622

Contractor Framework Manager

Guy Dawes

Email: guy.dawes@willmottdixon.co.uk

Phone:  07989179444

Exeter Science Park – Grow Out Building 3

  • Client

    Exeter Science Park Ltd

  • Contractor

  • Value

    £3.975m

  • Completion Date

    December 2021

Procurement Type: Two stage

Form of Contract: JCT Design and Build Contract 2016

Contract Period: 42 weeks

Size: 1,329m2

Project Background

Provision of much-needed grow out space for maturing STEMM (science, technology, engineering, maths and medical) businesses at Exeter Science Park.

Constructed to net zero carbon standards, the ‘BREEAM Excellent’ building is configured to provide 3 floors comprising bespoke laboratory and office accommodation, now known as The George Parker Bidder Building.

The building is the latest in a rolling series of developments in which ESP has demonstrated an approach of Continuous Improvement in its built estate, particularly relating to the environmental performance of buildings.

The Challenge

The project was externally funded. However, the funding cost and time envelopes were extremely challenging, necessitating a completion within 18 months of funding award. Morgan Sindall was formally appointed as Design and Build contractor in November 2021, leaving less than 14 months to take develop the RIBA 2 design price the project, agree the price and contract, and deliver the scheme.

Additionally, sustainability and climate change imperatives were at the heart of the project. This project’s Net Zero Carbon in Use is a steppingstone to the client’s ultimate aim of developing carbon negative buildings that generate more power than they use, creating a carbon “payback” within the lifetime of the building.

The Solution

Working to develop the design “at risk” through the main contractor selection process, allowed the early appointment of key subcontractors, which was required to meet the challenging programme. Furthermore, the client supported Morgan Sindall’s procurement strategy through early instruction of programme-critical structural steelwork order.

The building was designed and delivered to meet the Green Building Councils definition of Nett Zero carbon in use. Our team employed a “Fabric First” strategy to achieve the required sustainability and climate change imperatives.

The Results

An Integrative, collaborative approach characterised all aspects of the project conception, design development and delivery.

The results of this approach are:

Achievement of project completion, despite the constraints of the second covid lockdown and the materials and components shortages of Q3-4 2022, within 14 months of appointment of Morgan Sindall with the design at RIBA 2
An attractive and over-subscribed building
Zero defects at handover
Delivered within budget
Zero carbon in use
BREEAM Excellent

Furthermore, in achieving the required environment targets:

Our team employed a “Fabric First” strategy, including U values of 0.17 (Wall), 0.1 (Floor) and 0.12 (roof), and air tightness of 3m3/h.m2 This combined with the efficient aspect ratios derived from a simple 3 storey rectilinear building form, and high level of daylighting to create an efficient space to service.

Heating design was limited by the project requirement to utilise the existing district heating main.

A roof-mounted solar PV array generates power to balance out energy in use.

11


Apprentices

64.4%


SME Spend

£217,000k


Added Value

10/10


Client Satisfaction

Client Testimonials

“Great collaboration, great team. Best project on the park to date”.

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Contractor Performance | Commitments


Sustainability

The building was designed and delivered to meet the Green Building Councils definition of Nett Zero carbon in use. Our team employed a “Fabric First” strategy to achieve the required sustainability and climate change imperatives.

Zero carbon in use – BREEAM Excellent with 100% waste diverted from landfill and 100% timber responsibly sourced – 71 Tonnes of carbon Saved

“Fabric First” strategy, including U values of 0.17 (Wall), 0.1 (Floor) and 0.12 (roof), and air tightness of 3m3/h.m2K

The predicted in use Energy Use Intensity is 92.09 kWhrs/m2/a.

32 No of SMEs


Fair

100% payment within 30 days terms


Legacy

27 beneficiaries : 32 SME’s

9 jobs created : 160 trainee weeks

Schools engagement: 81 students

25 volunteer hours

83% social value created


Safe

Zero RIDDORs

CCS Score 40/45


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

Charing Cross Police Station

/in , , , /by

Charing Cross Police Station

London


Project Details



Client

The Mayor’s Office for Policing and Crime

Contractor

Morgan Sindall

Value

£24.36m

Contract Period

75 weeks

Project Summary

Complete refurbishment of 120,000 sq-ft Police station, in 3 phases whilst in occupation. Key to the project was to maintain all services whilst the custody suites and office areas remain occupied. Refurbishment including all new mechanical and electrical installations, new raised floors, IT, security, lifts, raised floors, ceiling, joinery, toilets together with renovation of roof, windows, doors, repair and replacement of render and external redecoration. New air-conditioning plant was installed at the ground floor with the creation of a plant enclosure in the central courtyard as a solution because we were not allowed to use cranes to lift plant.



I rate Overbury over all other contractors I’ve worked with.  Your biggest strength is you, you just get things done.  There are no issued and nothing was ever too much trouble.  Your team are really approachable.

What a pleasure it has been to work with John Dryden and his team over the last year as he has overseen the transformation of Charing Cross Police Station into a fantastic building that is a fit HQ for frontline policing in central and west London.

Project Competencies

Fair

Fair Payment Charter

Sustainable

Sustainable Development Charter

  • 96% waste diverted from landfill

Safe

Health & Safety Charter

Legacy

Legacy Charter

  • 22 trainees and apprentices
  • 1604 training weeks
  • Over £1,000 raised towards the Great Ormond Street Hospital Charity

Aftercare

Handover & Aftercare Contractor Promise

Community Engagement


Whilst on site, the project team were involved in a bake off raising over £1,000 towards the Great Ormond Street Hospital Charity.

Key Challenges

Working in a live police station with the busiest custody in Europe with 2 armouries that Police need to have constant daily access to allow them to load ammunition and guns to guard prominent buildings in the capital.  We had to coordinate with vans with up to 80 prisoners a week being unloaded and loaded in into the courtyard being delivered to the custody suite, whilst keeping the area safe secure for all.

To manage the security levels and keep a fast programme of works, there was a high level of communication and awareness of the police requirements. There was a daily, sometimes hourly, dialog to understand each other’s needs; we had to listen and be flexible and sensitive to the requirements of the Police, sometimes changing the programme to suit operational needs.

We divided the building into sections where the Overbury workforce were not allowed so the Police could carry on policing unhindered.

Working in central London with close proximity to many cafes bars restaurants with no available parking for visitors’ and operatives’ cars, and no unloading area for deliveries.

To manage the deliveries, we needed a phone notification from drivers of delivery lorries whose arrival was imminent, this was taken by our logistics team who either took in the delivery or alerted the subcontractor, so an efficient unload was carried out and materials stacked away promptly to point of work.

We let all the surrounding businesses know who we were with programmes and contact names and mobiles numbers.

There was a high level complaint to the Police and Council regarding construction work causing noise and dust affecting their business, this was caused by another contractor who was working nearby. We met the manager of the restaurant and developed a good relationship with her and helped them continue their business once more with advice and meetings.

We needed an area for site office set up and access onto site.  We didn’t have an area available inside Charing Cross for site offices and we couldn’t put cabins on the pavement or roof.  Westminster Council didn’t allow cabins outside a construction zone so special permission was sought to another solution.

We formed a scaffold all the way around the building with a gantry for cabins which held the site offices, canteen, toilets, meeting rooms, subcontractor office, and changing rooms. We built a security point so we could check all our workforce in and out. The entrance to the workplace was through windows in our secured areas.

Project Takeaways

Our Success

  • We built relationships with the Police by building trust with officers, maintaining high security levels, developing flexible programmes and firming budgets with quick costs. This has allowed us to tender more work with the Police.
  • £1.66m additional works not originally part of the scheme for custody suits were incorporated into the existing programme.

Our Learnings

  • Getting staff security cleared in time: we had to work with some staff and operatives waiting for their clearance which can take up to 9 months.  We managed this by giving the non-cleared staff red lanyards and the cleared staff blue lanyards.  The red lanyard operatives were not allowed into the police station without an escorted blue lanyard member of staff.  The Police understood this and was successful.

Value Added

  • Early engagement of supply chain and involvement in design development enabled the project to be completed 4 weeks early.
  • Early involvement of supply chain in cost advice ensure the project was procured under budget.
  • Changed sequencing reduced programme.

KPI’s & Statistics

ContractGateway 2 PlanningGateway 3 Contract AgreementVariationGateway 4 HandoverVariation
Cost£23,519,050£22,708,452-£811,000£24,372,709£1,664,338
Time80 weeks72 weeks-8 weeks68 weeks-4 weeks

  • SMEs: 90%
  • Waste diverted from landfill: 96%

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

Met Police Service New Hendon Driving Academy

  • Client

    Metropolitan Police Service (MPS)

  • Contractor

  • Value

    £10.2m

  • Completion Date

    March 2020

The new Hendon Driving Academy provides driver and investigative training for a wide variety of vehicles ranging from cars, motorbikes, mini buses, lorries to heavy goods vehicles (HGV). It includes classrooms with permanent training equipment in place, supplementary lockers to the main complex, changing facilities for approximately 120-160 staff and students daily, office accommodation, covered vehicle storage/inspection, workshop areas and fuel storage. There is also a requirement for a large yard area for use in various types of vehicle training maneuvers including HGV, hostile evasion techniques and slow speed “escort” motorbike training (the 175m “wobble road”).

The construction of the building itself comprises a light-weight single storey steel frame with insulated prefinished clad exterior. Front facing elevations are finished with a brick slip to match the local vernacular. Internal fit-out consists of drywall construction, suspended ceilings and full MEP systems. Substantial external works, including security fencing, soft and hard landscaping and tarmac vehicle training and testing areas surround the building.

The Challenge

The existing Met Driving Academy facilities located at Hendon are life expired and no longer fit for purpose. The old building is of poor condition and quality, with significant maintenance issues. Refurbishment to current standards and decant of training during construction proved to be uneconomic.

The Metropolitan Police Service appointed Mace via the SCF to deliver their new driving academy, the project represents a significant investment as part of the Met’s Estate Transformation Programme. The project was a follow on to the new training college which Mace successfully delivered in 2016.

The Solution

Positive relationships between all parties enabled the project to proceed smoothly through joined up decision making and a ‘can do’ approach. Agreeing early the project KPIs drove the project towards the goal of completion on time, with minor defects and final accounts completed as package contractors concluded their works.

The construction of the building itself comprises a light-weight single storey steel frame with insulated prefinished clad exterior. Front facing elevations are finished with a brick slip to match the local vernacular. Internal fit-out consists of drywall construction, suspended ceilings and full MEP systems. Substantial external works, including security fencing, soft and hard landscaping and tarmac vehicle training and testing areas surround the building.

The new Hendon Driving Academy provides driver and investigative training for a wide variety of vehicles ranging from cars, motorbikes, mini buses, lorries to heavy goods vehicles (HGV). It includes classrooms with permanent training equipment in place, supplementary lockers to the main complex, changing facilities for approximately 120-160 staff and students daily, office accommodation, covered vehicle storage/inspection, workshop areas and fuel storage.


The Results

Positive relationships between all parties have enabled the project to proceed smoothly through joined up decision making and a ‘can do’ approach.

Agreeing early the project KPIs is driving the project towards the goal of completion on time, with zero defects and final accounts completed as package contractors conclude their works.

Working with the supply chain in a two-stage environment has added value to both the design and construction. For example, the required security standards were already known by the supply chain contractors making delivery and the likelihood for error far reduced.

2


Apprentices

£712k.


Added Value

9/10


Client Satisfaction

Client Testimonials

”Our Hendon Training Centre has a reputation as one of the world’s leading police training facilities, with a long proud history. We will also create an opportunity for the remainder of the 73 acre site to be opened up for the benefit of the public at some point in the future.”

“The Mace team formed an excellent collaborative approach taking on board users’ needs and delivering a first-class project.”

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Contractor Performance | Commitments


Fair

100% payment within 30 days terms


Sustainability

97% waste diverted from landfill


Safe

CCS Score 41/45


Aftercare

Handover & Aftercare Plan


Legacy

176 training weeks for Apprentices

The site team volunteered time in the adjacent Colindale Gardens development, helping to establish a nature trail and supporting general upkeep.

DIO Salisbury Plain Training Area Service Family Accommodation

  • Client

    Defence Infrastructure Organisation

  • Contractor

  • Value

    £260m

  • Completion Date

    May 2020

Project Background

Completed as part of the Army Basing Programme 2020, the project involved the construction and delivery of 917 Service Family Homes at Bulford (225) and Ludgershall (242) by February 2020 and at Larkhill (450) by May 2020 plus various off site highways projects. This collaborative form of contract had seen very little exposure within the housing market prior to this project but the parties engaged enthusiastically and with success.


The Challenge

The design utilised 6 core house types to provide Officer, Other Ranks and adapted living properties.  The project spans 3 distinct sites, Bulford, Ludgershall and Larkhill and extensive Section 106 off site Highway works. The high-speed delivery of this project required the output rate in excess of industry norms, with an average handover rate of 16 houses per week, rising to 20 per week at peak output – a delivery rate unprecedented in UK low rise housing,

The Solution

Completed as part of the Army Basing Programme 2020, the delivery rate of this complex, high-volume, fast-track project is unprecedented in UK low rise housing. The was delivered by two timber frame providers working side by side collaboratively (not seen before in UK housing developments) which allowed a speed build of 22 weeks from foundations to superstructure, with an extensive acceptance process.

Collaborative procurement of this nature has seen very little exposure in the residential sector prior to this project. All parties engaged enthusiastically and with success, supported by a shared project office environment. The scheme benefitted from an open and fully collaborative working relationship fostered by DIO, WYG and Lovell.

The Results

Delivered on budget and on schedule, despite pressures from the COVID-19 pandemic, each site presented its own challenges. Extensive archaeology included a forgotten WW1 Practice Battlefield at Larkhill, found to be the largest ever archaeological exploration of such features anywhere in the world. Important historic finds were identified including a Stone Age Double Henge Form, now a registered English Heritage Scheduled Monument.

Despite the challenges, the joint project team succeeded in delivering an exemplary scheme that showcases innovative approaches in the build programme, pace of delivery and high-quality construction.


32


Apprentices

87.28%


SME Spend

£158,842,612


Added Value

8/10


Client Satisfaction

Client Testimonials

“The project team and site teams have contained a core of experienced Lovell staff and a combination of strong leadership and high quality of site teams has been a key factor in contributing to the success of the ABP SPTA SFA projects.  Any weaknesses in behaviours or performance have not been tolerated by Lovell – and swiftly addressed.  Reponses have included coaching, clear guidance, revised practices (including innovative ways of working), supply chain reinforcement and where required contract termination.

Lovell’s ‘consultation’ with the User representatives (and subsequently individual users) has been exemplary and thoroughly effective throughout.

The Lovell ABP SPTA SFA team have been exemplar in stakeholder management, community engagement and communications.  Their reputation with Wiltshire and local councils is very high and they have been frequently commended.

The ABP SPTA SFA projects were designed and executed as collaborative.  ISO 44001 Certification was achieved by the DIO’s TSP using the exemplar of the SFA projects.  Effective collaboration has been a hallmark – and paid dividends when addressing tricky issues.  Personalities play a key part in achieving true collaboration (as does the contract).  Linked with the above an integrated approach between Contractor and CR paid dividends throughout.

Lovell place the highest priority on Health and Safety.  Education and process has been of a high standard – as has site discipline.  Supply chain welfare has also been very well attended to.

This Lovell team has set a benchmark in terms of performance; other teams would have to match the standard to achieve the quality I have outlined above”.

When Abby McTighe and her husband Damon, a Tank Commander in the Queen’s Royal Hussars (QRH) discovered they’d be moving back to the UK after a seven year posting in Germany, they were apprehensive and excited in equal measure.  Abby explains more about the move and how their house on the Ludgershall development feels like ‘home’: “Germany was very much our home, our son was born there and although I lived in Germany for three years, my husband was there for seven, it has been a big part of our life as a couple.  Overall, we were really excited to be moving back, many of the other families on this part of the development are QRH so we all moved at the same time.  It was just like picking up our community in Germany and bringing it back to the UK in one go.”

Abby and Damon have moved into a three-bedroom house on a corner plot and have been absolutely bowled over by the standard of their new home, Abby continues: “In Germany we had a pretty old house but it had a cellar so we had lots of storage.  We were apprehensive that our new build in the UK wouldn’t have anything like the storage we are used to but we were pleasantly surprised.  The house is gorgeous.  We’ve got a beautiful ensuite, loads of storage, a large garden and the living areas are really ample.  To come home and have the opportunity to live in luxury is fantastic – we keep pinching ourselves – we treat the house as if it were a brand new car.”

Typically, military families live in homes that may have housed 20 or 30 families prior and as Abby concludes, it’s the small things that make the difference: “it’s a bit weird but we absolutely love our carpet – in Germany the carpet was flat and old and in our new home you can take your socks off and squish your toes into a deep pile, it doesn’t feel like a military house – it feels like our home.”

Life in Germany was pretty spectacular for Camille Campbell-Wild and her husband Matthew, a HQ Squadron Leader in the Queen’s Royal Hussars (QRH).  With three children under six, including five-year old twins, life in Germany was hectic but with a large group of friends and a solid community, the Campbell-Wild family made the most of life overseas.

Moving back to the UK after six and a half years came with a range of mixed emotions, as Camille explains: “Germany was a great place to raise the children.  We loved the clean living and the healthy lifestyle and although the disciplined nature of German people took a while to get used to, we made the most of every opportunity and built a great life.  When we heard we were coming back to the UK we were nervous initially, setting up a new life and starting over again is quite tough – but that’s military life, so we’ve learnt to adapt.”

Back in the UK, the Campbell-Wild family moved into a four-bedroom, detached home on the Bulford development.  Situated in a quiet cul de sac overlooking fields, their spacious home couldn’t be more perfect for their needs.  “While we were still in Germany a friend popped around to our new house and took a video for us, at that moment, all of our anxieties were quashed about moving into a new build – don’t get me wrong, our house in Germany was fairly tired and old,  but we were apprehensive that a UK new build would feel flimsy and pokey,” explains Camille.  “Nothing could be further from the truth – our house is solid, it’s roomy, the location is absolutely perfect for our young children to play safely outside.  Slowly, we are building a new life here and making friends both in and out of the military.  And it’s great to be close to family again.  There’s no question, our gorgeous house plays an important part in our children feeling settled back in the UK.”

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Contractor Performance | Commitments


Fair

100% payment within 30 days terms


Sustainability

100% waste diverted from landfill

2,807 Tonnes Carbon Saved


Safe

CCS Score 45/45


Legacy

164 No of SMEs & 127 beneficiaries

38 jobs created, 955 trainee weeks and 364 students engaged

£122,073.50 donations to charity

747 volunteer hours & 74% 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

St Michael’s CE Primary School

  • Client

    Wiltshire Council

  • Contractor

  • Value

    £7.25m

  • Completion Date

    August 2018


Project Background

New 2FE (420 place) primary school plus 60-place nursery school provision on greenfield site in Larkhill, Wiltshire.  This project was part of the Army Rebasing Programme for the relocation of troops from Germany with 917 homes constructed by Morgan Sindall Group sister company, Lovell.


The Challenge

Challenging site access
The installation of the planned approach road to site (not undertaken by Morgan Sindall) was delayed and not in place for the start of works.

Complex topography and formation of terraced hard landscaping
The topography of the site involved a 15m gradient across the site.

Bringing the project to budget
A VE exercise was undertaken during the second stage to identify opportunities and suggest alternative products or rationalisation of the design, to bring the project to budget.

The Solution

Challenging site access
We had to utilise an alternative 2.5 mile redundant off-road ‘tank’ track. Prior to being able to use this route, appropriate UXO and archaeology certificates had to be obtained.

Complex topography and formation of terraced hard landscaping
The school building itself was positioned at the lowest part of the slope, with the courtyard and break-out areas to the rear on the same elevation. The first terrace was formed using a stone gabion retaining structure, leading to soft landscaping. The next level was formed with a timber crib local wall providing the Multi-Use Games Area (MUGA). The following terrace created a wild flower meadow, and finally the top level provided the sports pitches.

Bringing the project to budget
The VE exercise identified the following:

A Siniat Weather Defence Board was identified as an alternative product which reduces reliance on workmanship, providing a consistent quality finish and reducing the need for third-party quality checks, saving costs.

Omission of Brise Solei and adjustment to floor finishes, provided a £20k saving to the school’s life cycle costs.

Thickness of the ground floor slab was reduced from 200mm all over, to 150mm to all areas, except the plant room and main hall, saving £20k.

Composite windows were changed to aluminium, saving £50k. Aluminium windows offer the same BREEAM rating, achieve the same U value and are a more robust product.

The Results

We identified over £436k of savings through the VE exercise up to Gateway 3, an additional £10k to incorporate cycle storage, and a further £220k incorporated during the project (signed off at Gateway 4). We also successfully delivered the project to a delighted client who gave us a recommended score of 9/10.

£446,000k


Added Value

9/10


Client Satisfaction

Client Testimonials

“This is such an exciting time; a new school of this size and calibre is a resource for the whole of our community, our partner schools and colleagues but, above all, it is the future for our children. Salisbury Plain Academies is delighted that the Bishop and so many guests have joined us to mark the beginning of that future.”

“We are very pleased with progress to date and the good work that your site team are doing for us. We are especially grateful to Rob for all his efforts. He’s without doubt one of the best Site Managers that I’ve worked with and you should ensure that you keep hold of him!!”

PreviousNext

Contractor Performance | Commitments


Fair

100% payment within 30 days terms


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


Sustainability

100% timber responsibly sourced


Safe

Zero RIDDORs


Legacy

29 beneficiaries

Ofcom Riverside House

/in /by

Ofcom Riverside House

London


Project Details



Client

OFCOM

Project Manager

Cushman & Wakefield

Architect

Spacelab

Contractor

Morgan Sindall

Value

£11.99m

Contract Period

51 weeks

Procurement Type

2-stage

Form of Contract

JCT D&B

Size

90,000 sqft

Apprentices

10

Project Summary

Overbury completed the full Cat A and B fit out over 6 floors (90,000 sq. ft.) for Ofcom at their current site within Riverside House, London. The works were undertaken to significantly modernise and improve their current working environment.

The project incorporated the installation of the entire CAT A and CAT B works such as new conference suites, cellular meeting rooms, new toilet areas, a restaurant, tea points and a new reception area. Also constructed was the installation of an interconnecting staircase between all floors which included joinery finishes and integrated feature lighting.

The building was fully occupied throughout so it was imperative that noisy works were carried out with full consideration to the building tenants. Security was paramount always and Overbury co-operated fully with the building facilities team ensuring all permits and security passes were in place always.

The building’s existing structural constraints were key to the final design, as such Overbury ensured a fully comprehensive survey along with the provision of additional detailed working drawings. Overbury carried out numerous workshops throughout which ensured procurement dates were always achieved on time. In addition, a recognised ‘Apprenticeship Scheme’ was implemented in accordance with a registered government scheme.

When undertaking these works site operatives were required to use the same loading bay as neighbouring tenants. The chilled beams (560 in total) were installed via a hoist on the outside of the building due to their length exceeding the perimeters of the goods lift.

Works were undertaken to a tight budget with no provisional sums. As a Government entity, Overbury’s accountability throughout the project was key from build to final account.



“Thank you for the time and effort invested in planning and coordinating the extensive phased transitions across 7 occupied floors in order to create the necessary swing space required to execute the fit-out works, and your consistent on-site review and update of the programme during the construction phase, with minimal disruption to the client’s employees and their business.”

Key Challenges

Completing the works in a phased manor so as not to disrupt Ofcom’s daily business operations. A phased programme was devised where staff only had to relocate once. A new meeting suite was constructed on a differing level so that meeting continuity was maintained.

Renewing all the on-floor M&E equipment without impacting on other floors. Temporary works were carried out on the BMS and fire alarm systems so that other floors operated as usual.

Installing a five-storey staircase through the heart of an occupied building. This was further complicated because it was delayed due to legal reasons between Ofcom and their new Freeholder.  Install was achieved working from the bottom within the confines of the shaft.

Project Takeaways

Our Success

  • The project was closely managed. Overbury implemented an experienced team to closely manage not only the project as typical of a fit-out, but dedicated specialised managers who took responsibility for each key issue personally. As a result, the project was extremely smooth and the experience was exceptional for not only our Employer but also our supply chain. Furthermore our site shared the courtyard with the HSE; we had no problems and didn’t give any cause to even warrant a visit.

Our Learnings

  • Late agreement and out of sequence installation of the stairs.

Value Added

  • Overbury and its supply chain throughout the project employed 10 trainees and apprentices which resulted in providing 158 weeks training weeks
  • 3 work placements for work experience persons
  • Renewable/sustainability advice was provided to ensure a regime was in place which resulted in circa 90% diversion of waste away from landfill
  • Early Engagement of supply chain and involvement in design development to redesign the chilled beam system to achieve both better buildability and value engineering
  • Early involvement of subcontractors in cost advice to ensure the budget was realised and delivered under budget
  • Logistics advice on specific aspects, specifically where the removal of the existing façade and installation of bespoke hoist built to overcome delivery issues
  • Value Management identified by project team at feasibility which was carried through the 2nd stage to ensure this was implemented
  • Changed delivery times or sequencing to suit client activities and / or minimise disruption to neighbours
  • Boost to the local economy by selection of contractors based in local area and use of locally sourced materials

KPI’s & Statistics

ContractGateway 2 PlanningGateway 3 Contract AgreementVariationGateway 4 HandoverVariation
Cost£12,536,750£11,991,833-4.4%£11,991,880%
Time76 weeks60 weeks-16 weels51 weeks-9 weeks