Halifax Road, OL14
Overview
A new-build 5-storey concrete frame with 8 apartments and a commercial space on the ground floor.
GDV of £6.5m
JCT Constructing Excellence Contract
(Image shows existing building – and footprint – before demolition)
Development
A congested site where the full footprint will be used. We will demolish the existing building and create 8 apartments in a new build 5 storey concrete frame, including a commercial space on the ground floor.
Working with an existing client we are beginning demolition in February 2024 of the old building. Whilst working alongside the client and design team with bringing the project forward and to site in the next few months.
Challenges
The proximity of extremely busy Network Rail lines into London Waterloo within 3m of the rear boundary of the site, is the biggest challenge to the project. There was no existing boundary fence, which necessitated possession of the rail track to erect the permanent security fencing prior to demolishing the garages. Negotiations and agreements with Network Rail took 6 months to conclude prior to starting work on site.
The South Worple Way development is on a constrained site with very little space for storage necessitating the need for ‘just in time’ material scheduling and strict control of timings.
Challenges
Working within the constraints of a Listed Building always presents a challenge in both the restrictions on the level of change that can be made and in turn the refurbishment work itself. We took the newly acquired project to planning for the internal changes that were needed to form the coherent and modern living space that has now been created.
Raising the ceiling level in the top floor bedroom to expose the original beams was a great success and creates something of a wow factor to the room. All fireplaces within the property have been retained, which again adds to the character and feel of this wonderful house.
Completing the majority of the project during the very testing time of 2020 and COVID 19 presented many challenges in terms of the availability of labour and also materials. Both of which were brought in from quite some distance at times.
Outcome
A stunning Georgian property brought back into use with sympathetic refurbishment, whilst retaining all the period features that remained at time of acquisition. The property now offers modern living for professional people in the Reading area, with 6 en-suite bedrooms, basement level Cinema and shared kitchen and dining area.
CONTRACT PARTICULARS – Form of Contract: JCT Design and Build | Value: £1m GDV | Duration: 20 Weeks
