Project Management

Case studies

Burnham Lane, Slough, Buckinghamshire

The demolition of a disused light industrial unit and the construction of new 5 and 6 storey blocks of flats, comprising 75 units providing a mix of rent and shared ownership.

Client Catalyst Housing Group
Contractor Inspace Partnerships
Architect Hester Architects Ltd
Contract Sum £7.8m
Eco/Code Good

The project

The project was initially stalled when planning requirements related to unit sizes called for alterations to the design. This resulted in increased costs that went beyond the client’s approved budget. Although these increases were felt to be reasonable, the original budget could not be increased due to funding constraints.

Our role

Acting as Client’s Representative within a PPC 2000 partnering contract, Churchill Hui carried out a detailed cost review and identified potential areas for savings. Even so, the exact value of these savings could not be confirmed at the time. Following discussions between all parties, it was agreed that the scheme would proceed based on the original contract budget.

As a result of this it was agreed that 5 units would be built to a shell condition only. In the meantime, the potential savings that had been identified were confirmed and instructions were issued to fit out and complete all units.

During construction, a number of changes in contractor personnel had the potential to cause some disruption. We worked closely with the contractor and the client to ensure this was kept to a minimum.

The result

The project was let as a PPC2000 partnering contract, one of the first for the client at the time.

What soon became evident in this approach was the value of having end-user participation in on-site team development meetings. This ensured they had a good feel for the building prior to handover and that any issues regarding user requirements could be raised and answered quickly.

The close liaison and cooperation between all parties throughout this process resulted in the units being successfully completed to specification, on time and within the target budget.

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