ANDREWS ROAD DEPOT, HACKNEY BOROUGH COUNCIL

A JCT Intermediate contract comprising demolition of an existing mezzanine office and design & construction of new mezzanine office space with updates to WCs, communal areas and entrances within the existing, busy transport depot.

Having conducted a detailed security review of their premises, Hackney Borough Council identified the urgent need to enhance the access control and security systems as well as a full redesign & refurbishment of the office and ancillary spaces.

Procured through the Pagabo Medium Works Framework enabled the client to benefit from a pre-approved selection of contractors in the bid process, already aligned with project goals.  With experience working for various London Borough Councils, Alcema were delighted to be awarded the contract, working with Hackney Borough Council.

Alcema undertook the role of Principal Contractor providing overall project and programme management.

Key requirements for the project; we made improvements to enhance the access control, security shutters; high security fencing and gates to the yard & access area.  Through the internal refurbishment of the office space, we were able to provide a clear view enabling staff to better monitor vehicle movements to and from the depot, further increasing the robustness of security measures.

The Fire Alarms were removed and reinstated maintaining live provision, and a new pedestrian access was created alongside the vehicle bays to provide safe pedestrian access to the newly formed office areas.

The new office building comprised of a reception area, general office area and meeting room with WC’s including separate, accessible WC.

A new air conditioning and extraction system was installed, together with new lighting and secondary glazing fitted to external windows, negating noise from the nearby busy roads and to improve the energy efficiency of the building.

The update by Building Regulations concerning Fire Safety was a key challenge to this project with a necessary upgrade to materials, resulting in increased project costs.

The specified fire-resistant glass, manufactured only in Germany, resulted in a long lead-in which would increase the programme duration.

To mitigate any delays, the Alcema Project Team adapted works throughout the programme and Alcema’s in-house design team worked closely with the suppliers to agreement exact sizes, ensuring a ‘right first time’ delivery & installation.  Blockwork was then designed and built within these agreed tolerances.  This collaboration ensured that the project remained within budget.

Through early collaboration and open discussion, we were able to mitigate disruption to essential services and provide additional solutions.

Progress meetings continued fortnightly throughout the project duration with transparency on costs and variations – there were no surprises!

Delivered on time, in budget to expected quality and with minimal disruption to council operations.