Cynthia Spencer
Client:
Daventry & South Northhants PCT
The reprovision of Cynthia Spencer Hospice demonstrates Stepnell’s ability to deliver complicated projects to a high quality that are constructed on occupied sites, with congested access, while not interfering with the work of the occupiers and meeting the high specification in building quality, equipment and noise attenuation.
The £7m project, let under a JCT contract with contractors design, started with a reduced lead-in period and a near complete architectural solution. With limited time to complete the structural and services design, Stepnell opted for an alternative structural solution to part of the building to progress the on-site works. The site access was shared with the occupied Hospice and ward as well as a new housing development which was being constructed at the time.
Stepnell reviewed all aspects of the design and opted for alternative construction methods to progress the works where benefit was apparent. Detailed attention was also given to the services and structural interface to ensure the complicated mechanical and electrical systems are integrated and accounted for in the design from early on and that programme and procurement constraints were accommodated. The congested site led to a higher than normal attention to health and safety especially focused on the site boundaries and users, occupiers and visitors of the existing health facilities.
Key factors of this project include:
- Very congested site including an occupied hospice
- Congested and difficult shared access
- Critical programme, with phased completions that were met
- Fixed costs to the client
- Contractor led design co-ordination ensuring all elements were included and the final solution well integrated
- Consideration and accommodation of adjacent occupiers requirements at all times
- High attention to health and safety during construction and demolition
- Co-ordination of service and access disruption with other occupiers
- Contractor led re-design to safeguard programme
- Separation of construction from occupied premises