Grays Magistrates Court
As a local contractor we were absolutely delighted when awarded the £3.1m regeneration of…
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Learn more about the broad variety of projects that we have completed in recent years.
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As a local contractor we were absolutely delighted when awarded the £3.1m regeneration of…
Case study
Commercial Refurbishment
Project value
£3.1m
Project type
Refurb
Project length
53 weeks
As a local contractor we were absolutely delighted when awarded the £3.1m regeneration of the former Grays Magistrates Court on behalf of Thurrock Borough Council.
What Did The Job Involve?
Having outlived its original use, the building had fallen into disrepair. The aim was to reconfigure the 1920’s building internally providing over 1900m2 of modern office space divided into 39 individual business units whilst retaining the buildings iconic external façade.
This required extensive internal structural alterations with some 90+ steel beams being installed to allow the internal layout to be reconfigured in such a way to suit new modern business needs. Even the former cells became new offices.
New mezzanine floors were installed to the two former court rooms, a new central staircase was constructed in the main entrance lobby and a new passenger lift installed bringing the building up to date to meet DDA legislation. In addition, the independent former Clerks house was extended and refurbished. The existing double hung sash windows were overhauled external façade cleaned and the grounds landscaped.
What Were The Challenges?
During the strip-out phase of the project, we came across a number of unexpected features, as is typical when refurbishing an historic building. Beardwell worked closely with the design team to come up with solutions to overcome these challenges, particularly with regard service routes through the existing fabric of the building.
The steel beam and ‘clay pot’ floors and thick brick walls presented a challenge both in terms of a permanent technical solution but also the significant temporary works required.
The budget was a key consideration and by collaborating throughout the project we were able to progress work and keep the project on budget.
Beardwell’s Added Value
Extensive VE exercises were required during the works to ensure that the project remained on budget.
We provided advice regarding structural solutions, including buildability.
Liaison with the final FM team enable a smooth transition. Being located close to our office means we have remained in contact with the client for any additional support required.
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We were proud to be appointed to fully refurbish the Compton and Marconi Rooms, which are located on the…
Case study
Chelmsford City Council
Project value
£410,000
Project type
Refurb
Project length
9 weeks
We were proud to be appointed to fully refurbish the Compton and Marconi Rooms, which are located on the first floor of the old library building in Chelmsford Civic Centre. This project continued our long history of working with Chelmsford City Council.
What Did The Job Involve?
The project involved the refurbishment of meeting rooms on the first floor of the Civic Centre.
The rooms were completely stripped back to bare brickwork, to receive new dry lining finish. New electrical and AV services were installed. The new ceilings were layered to provide a variable lighting effect depending upon the meeting being held.
The rooms are used for meetings for councillors. The refurbishment provides all modern technologies but retains all the charm and atmosphere of this unique building.
What Were The Challenges?
Access to the rooms was via an external scaffold staircase and loading platform sited in the Mayor’s parking space.
Deliveries had to be programmed to avoid busy or sensitive times. Noisy work had to be avoided at key times.
A lack of detailed information relating to existing services meant that time had to be spent tracing and validating the existing systems.
Beardwell’s Added Value
Our apprentices and direct labour from the local area were involved in this project.
Due to the location of the refurbishments all noisy works undertaken were discussed with the Client and programmed accordingly.
Value engineering was required to be undertaken during the works to ensure that the budget for the work was not exceeded.
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The Penton Street project involved the internal remodelling of an existing office block…
Case study
Transport for London
Project value
£950k
Project type
Refurb
Project length
8 weeks
The Penton Street project involved the internal remodelling of an existing office block to create a new uniform store for Transport for London. This was undertaken whilst all other areas of the building remained occupied, all requiring a highly sensitive approach.
What Did The Job Involve?
This project involved the conversion of an existing office block into a uniform store for Transport for London.
Located in Islington, the project comprised both structural and fabric alterations. New Male and Female WC facilities were provided over three-storeys. Previous office areas were re-modelled so as to accommodate large storage racking, office areas, a tea room and changing rooms. A new lift shaft and lift were installed.
Power, data, fire and security alarms were all reconfigured and upgraded. New doors were fitted and areas were finished with new flooring and decorations throughout.
The project enjoyed excellent customer feedback ratings and was completed on time and to budget.
What Were The Challenges?
A strict deadline for the completion date and compliance within budget were key objectives. These were achieved through careful planning.
The 8-week programme presented a challenge especially as all risk and method statements had to be submitted/approved by TFL 2-weeks prior to the commencement of any operations. Our SHEQ Manager assisted the site team to ensure that these were completed in good time.
The building remained live throughout with occupants in other areas of the building. This required a highly sensitive approach which was achieved to exceptionally high standards by using dust mats, acoustic blankets for the cutting zone, dust suppression and extraction units. Heavy works were also programmed at specific times so to cause minimal disruption.
Beardwell’s Added Value
Daily liaison was required to ensure that the FM team were aware of planned operations.
Users of the building and neighbours were kept appraised of the works via newsletters and extensive signage.
Additional repair works were undertaken at speed to avoid delays to the contract period.