Instruction Synopsis

Propitas were appointed by Boultbee Brooks Real Estate as Project Manager, Cost Consultant and Principal Designer on the refurbishment of Forbury Works, a 25,000 sq ft office building in central Reading, opposite the train station.

The property comprised a concrete framed structure behind a façade retention scheme undertaken in the 1970’s. The scheme involved full strip out to shell condition; new M&E services installations including 2 no. new lifts; full Cat A fit out to open plan exposed services specification; new toilets; entrance feature; reception; landscaped courtyard garden and new curtain walling and window systems throughout.

The scheme was traditionally designed and procured. The architects were Gpad Ltd, services consultant AWA and structural engineer GDC Partnership. The construction works were completed by WOW Build Ltd.

The project was phased to accommodate an existing tenant in situ who relocated from second to lower ground floor during the works. The programme was 44 weeks and a £2.7m construction value.

HOW PROPITAS ADDED VALUE

Propitas led the design team pre-contract during design development stages, client approvals and securing of planning consent for the proposed works, together with overall project programming and cost estimate services.

The project was competitively tendered and we undertook post tender contractor interviews and VE negotiations prior to award of the contract.

Working around a tenant in occupation for such comprehensive refurbishment works required good communication skills in keeping all parties aware of the progress of works and risks involved.

Post completion Propitas were retained to monitor the incoming tenant’s Cat B fit out works.

KEY INFORMATION

• Good leadership skills of project with tenant in occupation.

• We led the project team form inception through to sign off.

• The property was 85% pre-let at Practical Completion of the works.