Overview
Works are now complete at the Wessex Integrated Control Centre in Waterloo where Spence were contracted to strip out the existing space and convert it into an office for Southwestern Railway employees.
A temporary control centre was established further down the corridor where it had an electrical and decorative fit out.
The project took place over four months within a live rail environment. Additional works were requested beyond the original project scope, so the programme was amended to allow for these alterations whilst sticking to the tight timescales.
Scope
A full list of works is outlined as follows:
- Strip Out of existing furniture and M&E infrastructure
- Installation of HVAC system for proper control over heating, ventilation and air conditioning
- Fit Out works including mechanical, electrical, communications and decoration
- Installation of a new communications room
- Acoustic insulation for new meeting rooms and private pods
- Installation of a new kitchen
- A temporary Control Centre was fit out with changed desktops, additional electrics and containment implemented.
Challenges & Solutions
The most pressing issue was the change in programme due to a modification to the scope of works. The air conditioning was initially not included in the scope of works but upon assessment it was deemed not up to standard and a new HVAC system was installed. The system took time to procure and as such put the job on hold as ceiling works could not be completed until this was done. The project was therefore accelerated with added pressure in the final weeks so that it could meet the completion date.
The location of the works also posed a challenge, particularly for deliveries, as there was no lift access. Deliveries therefore had to be transported manually through the concourse and up a narrow winding staircase. Due to high levels of civilian traffic, the majority of deliveries were restricted to night shifts with the bulk of materials moving in and out of the space throughout these hours.
