Aas part of Network Rail’s goal to futureproof their Occupational Health (OH) services, they contracted Spence to design and build a Health and Wellbeing Centre in Ipswich. The space was originally a call centre, so Spence performed a full strip out and fit out of the ground floor unit as well as an architectural reconfiguration.
Project Value: £1.3m
Programme: 18 weeks
Form of Contract: NR4
Client: Network Rail
Key Trades: Strip out / Fit out / M&E / Partitioning / Glazing / Flooring / Ceilings / Fire compartmentation / Drainage
Project Scope
- Demolition of internal blockwork, stud partitions and doors and the removal of all redundant electrical, mechanical and above-ground drainage;
- Refurbishment of the open-plan office space to accommodate 12 distinct rooms including four clinical rooms, three meeting rooms, a reception, a counselling room, a patient meeting room, a waiting room and breakout area, an audio room and a drugs and alcohol WC;
- Renovation of the existing kitchenette, shower and toilet facilities to align with the design of the clinic and to provide additional breakout areas for staff;
- Supply and installation of partition walls, glazed frameless partitioning and sliding/folding partitions;
- Installation of a ceiling grid and suspended ceiling systems as well as repairs to the current ceiling tiles;
- M&E works including lighting, small power, containment, heating and cooling, ventilation, drainage and domestic water services;
- Fire compartmentation including fire protection and the provision of fire alarms;
- Extensive decoration and fit out including vinyl flooring, carpeting, wall finishes, internal planters and clinic storage units;
- Additional data / IT scope with cabling and secondary containment.
Key Challenges and Solutions
The original client design couldn’t meet building regulations, so it had to be redesigned to meet the building requirements. This was particularly challenging as the scope called for the fit out of extensive M&E equipment in a limited working environment.
The condition of the existing installation was poor and repairs had to be carried out to the existing M&E which was being reused and relocated.
There was significant additional scope added during the project including mechanical, fire stopping, repairs to drainage and internal insulation, reconfiguration of the CCTV layout and data cabling. This significantly impacted both the contract work value and the programme.
The works took place within a residential location, so storage and noise levels required careful management. The container and welfare unit were located in the car park and deliveries were carefully coordinated to reduce buildup. Nearby residents received communications regarding the project and noisy works were limited to strict working hours to prevent disturbance to stakeholders.