Refurbishment for Blue Light Sector

Description

Awarded under the Metropolitan Police/MOPAC Building Works Framework, this high-security refurbishment project in central London comprised a four-storey building for emergency services including two floors of offices, welfare areas and two levels of horses’ stables.

With premises vacated to enable the works to commence, the refurbishment included the installation of new air handling units on the roof, refurbishment of toilet and shower areas, M&E upgrades throughout and a new kitchen. The scope of works additionally incorporated specialist tarmac surfacing to the ground floor and first floor stable areas, the installation of specialist furniture and roof lights and lift refurbishment works.

Towards the end of the project when the planned commissioning works were underway, the building was once again occupied and operational, which meant the site team needed to follow strict security procedures and obtain high security clearances, as well as carefully plan works around horse movements. The MET require all personnel to be security vetted; this meant the site team had to carefully co-ordinate works to ensure no-one breached the rules.

With a tight 18-week time frame in which to complete the full scope of specialist works, the project team faced an array of logistical challenges. Lack of space for welfare or office areas meant the team needed to constantly move these areas throughout the project duration. Located in a busy but narrow street, the landlocked site offered no space for skips hence the site team needed to operate on a strict ‘wait and load’ basis.

Overcoming the logistical issues of craning the air handling units on the roof necessitated arranging a road closure in London’s SW1. With the site located on a major bus route, the road closure was carried out on a Saturday to minimise disruption in the area and required careful and timely co-ordination with Westminster Council to avoid delaying the programme. Meanwhile, enabling access for the removal and replacement of the large lantern roof lights demanded the design and installation of
large, two-storey birdcage scaffolding which in turn restricted construction access and prevented the team from completing works on the Ground and First Floor until the lanterns were finished. Careful scheduling however mitigated any programme interruption.

From the outset, SG Construction’s project team forged a close and collaborative working relationship with the Station Representative with daily updates and weekly meetings including the project architect. Ahead of each meeting, SG Construction’s Senior Site Manager issued the agenda to the Station Manager a day in advance to keep the programme on schedule and focus the visits.

To further streamline the flow of information and ensure adherence to the tight schedule, the site management team held a project walk-around ahead of each weekly meeting to review progress at the point of delivery. In keeping with the collaborative approach, the design team were in attendance during site walk-arounds.

Upon completion, the building was handed over defect-free with all testing and commissioning fully demonstrated to the Station Representative and Facilities Team. SG Construction’s Site Manager remained on site for two weeks following handover to assist the Station Representative/Facilities Team with fit out and the new operational features of the building.

During the 12-month defect period SG Construction provided a fully responsive aftercare service with minimal issues arising which was specifically commended by the client. The refurbished and modernised facility was delivered on time and budget, to exceptional quality standards and high levels of client satisfaction.

Furthermore, the project was ‘Highly Commended’ at the 2024 NPEG (National Police Estates Group) Awards for construction projects over £1million.