The scheme involved the redevelopment of a derelict warehouse site, and provided a total of 130 units across 10 blocks consisting of apartments, duplex apartments and town houses.
The scheme achieved Code Level 3 and incorporated exhaust air heat pumps and air source heat pumps within a concrete frame construction. In addition, a range of sustainable living features including energy efficient lighting, cycle storage, water butts and natural drying facilities were provided to help reduce electricity, fuel and water demand and in turn reduce living costs for the occupants.
The scheme provided high density housing with private/communal gardens and terraces together with a communal play area to improve the health and well-being of the residents. The ecological value of the site was also improved by providing areas of green roof to the blocks.
The scheme involved a variety of challenges due to previous site usage and extent and proximity of neighbours. The site was heavily contaminated and included extensive party wall works. A comprehensive pack of information was issued at tender to enable the contractor to identify and price these risks.
Due to exceptional difficulties with the remediation and party wall awards there were significant delays to the contract. BPP undertook troubleshooting with a proactive response to minimise impact on the project in advising GHA on a strategy and legal agreements to mitigate potential delays (and substantial extra cost) due to the extensive party wall issues and contamination. As a result GHA were able to take an early view of the contractual position prior to escalation of the issue with the contractor with an agreed commercial settlement to the satisfaction of parties.
One of BPP’s Partners, Stefan Jasinski, took the lead in advising GHA on the contractual issues and is an example where BPP resources the project for specific needs i.e. a high level input was required to resolve a difficult contractual position.