Ofcom Riverside House
London
Project Details
Client
OFCOM
Project Manager
Cushman & Wakefield
Architect
Spacelab
Contractor
Morgan Sindall
Value
£11.99m
Contract Period
51 weeks
Procurement Type
2-stage
Form of Contract
JCT D&B
Size
90,000 sqft
Apprentices
10
Project Summary
Overbury completed the full Cat A and B fit out over 6 floors (90,000 sq. ft.) for Ofcom at their current site within Riverside House, London. The works were undertaken to significantly modernise and improve their current working environment.
The project incorporated the installation of the entire CAT A and CAT B works such as new conference suites, cellular meeting rooms, new toilet areas, a restaurant, tea points and a new reception area. Also constructed was the installation of an interconnecting staircase between all floors which included joinery finishes and integrated feature lighting.
The building was fully occupied throughout so it was imperative that noisy works were carried out with full consideration to the building tenants. Security was paramount always and Overbury co-operated fully with the building facilities team ensuring all permits and security passes were in place always.
The building’s existing structural constraints were key to the final design, as such Overbury ensured a fully comprehensive survey along with the provision of additional detailed working drawings. Overbury carried out numerous workshops throughout which ensured procurement dates were always achieved on time. In addition, a recognised ‘Apprenticeship Scheme’ was implemented in accordance with a registered government scheme.
When undertaking these works site operatives were required to use the same loading bay as neighbouring tenants. The chilled beams (560 in total) were installed via a hoist on the outside of the building due to their length exceeding the perimeters of the goods lift.
Works were undertaken to a tight budget with no provisional sums. As a Government entity, Overbury’s accountability throughout the project was key from build to final account.
“Thank you for the time and effort invested in planning and coordinating the extensive phased transitions across 7 occupied floors in order to create the necessary swing space required to execute the fit-out works, and your consistent on-site review and update of the programme during the construction phase, with minimal disruption to the client’s employees and their business.”
Key Challenges
No disruption to daily business operations
Completing the works in a phased manor so as not to disrupt Ofcom’s daily business operations. A phased programme was devised where staff only had to relocate once. A new meeting suite was constructed on a differing level so that meeting continuity was maintained.
M&E Installations
Renewing all the on-floor M&E equipment without impacting on other floors. Temporary works were carried out on the BMS and fire alarm systems so that other floors operated as usual.
New 5-storey staircase
Installing a five-storey staircase through the heart of an occupied building. This was further complicated because it was delayed due to legal reasons between Ofcom and their new Freeholder. Install was achieved working from the bottom within the confines of the shaft.
Project Takeaways
Our Success
- The project was closely managed. Overbury implemented an experienced team to closely manage not only the project as typical of a fit-out, but dedicated specialised managers who took responsibility for each key issue personally. As a result, the project was extremely smooth and the experience was exceptional for not only our Employer but also our supply chain. Furthermore our site shared the courtyard with the HSE; we had no problems and didn’t give any cause to even warrant a visit.
Our Learnings
- Late agreement and out of sequence installation of the stairs.
Value Added
- Overbury and its supply chain throughout the project employed 10 trainees and apprentices which resulted in providing 158 weeks training weeks
- 3 work placements for work experience persons
- Renewable/sustainability advice was provided to ensure a regime was in place which resulted in circa 90% diversion of waste away from landfill
- Early Engagement of supply chain and involvement in design development to redesign the chilled beam system to achieve both better buildability and value engineering
- Early involvement of subcontractors in cost advice to ensure the budget was realised and delivered under budget
- Logistics advice on specific aspects, specifically where the removal of the existing façade and installation of bespoke hoist built to overcome delivery issues
- Value Management identified by project team at feasibility which was carried through the 2nd stage to ensure this was implemented
- Changed delivery times or sequencing to suit client activities and / or minimise disruption to neighbours
- Boost to the local economy by selection of contractors based in local area and use of locally sourced materials
KPI’s & Statistics
| Contract | Gateway 2 Planning | Gateway 3 Contract Agreement | Variation | Gateway 4 Handover | Variation |
| Cost | £12,536,750 | £11,991,833 | -4.4% | £11,991,88 | 0% |
| Time | 76 weeks | 60 weeks | -16 weels | 51 weeks | -9 weeks |
