Accessibility Tools

Coverstone Investments Ltd

Galem House - Residential Development

Back

Vextrix has been appointed by our client Coverstone Ltd to provide Project Management, Quantity Surveying, Contract Administration and Principal Designer services on the Galem House residential development project, a 19th Century textile warehouse on Vincent Street in Bradford. Trident House Development obtained planning approval to convert this building into 77 newly refurbished apartments to include 59 one bed apartments, 9 studio apartments and 9 two bedroom apartments.

Galem House is a listed building that has experienced fire damage compromising the stability of the structure significantly. The initial stage of construction includes safely soft stripping out by a specialist rope access team and the installation of a full façade retention system to allow for a full internal demolition. The second stage of construction includes the installation of a full steel frame internally which adds two additional floors vertically.

Alongside the 77 newly refurbished apartments the development will also include:

  • Communal spaces
  • A gym
  • A spa
  • A cycle storage area

The new structural support is to be installed to support the historic walls and provide columns for the new vertical extension at the top of the building with a new roof.  The project is to be completed with all necessary utility, mechanical and electrical installations, and refurbished in a contemporary style while retaining some of the original features.

On appointment, our Quantity Surveying team assessed all the design information, produced and provided a budget estimate so the client had a clear view of their financial commitments along with advising on the procurement strategy and form of contract based on project time, cost and anticipated quality. At the design stage, the team chaired a series of design team meetings to ensure the design coordination and was in compliance with building regulations and helped the client make cost decisions early, therefore the designs were value engineered at an early stage.

 

The client also appointed Vextrix to support with Health and Safety advice throughout the design and construction phases of the project, adhering to their duties under CDM Regulations 2015, including the appointment of a Principal Designer and a Principal Contractor.

Vextrix was appointed as Principal Designer at the early design development stages before the planning application was submitted. The appointment at this stage meant the team were able to make a beneficial input into the design development and guide the client through the Pre-Construction Information requirements, engage with the designers on safety matters and deliver a full assessment of the structure.

The team advised the client and the principal contractor on the preparation of the construction phase plan including the temporary works required, to ensure safe access to the building for survey works and the initial construction enabling phase. The client requested fortnightly H&S site inspections which were divided between the team to ensure an objective review of progress at each inspection.

One of the key challenges on the project has been ensuring a timely start to the enabling works due to the condition of the building. Once the Principal Contractor was appointed, the team supported the client with the efficient approval of safety documentation, meaning works could commence on site and communicated effectively to ensure the required standard of site-specific detail.