The Westway 21 Project is an industrial estate just off the M6 situated in Warrington. The project consisted of the cleaning and painting to the external cladded elevations along with painting gates, railings, substations, bollards and roller shutter doors.
The works led by Contract Manager, Gary Leach were delivered on time and within budget. Gary managed a team of four directly employed painters and multiple subcontractors. Gary was supported by Black Hat supervisors, Simon Pritchard and Ben Maginn.
Careful planning and coordination
Liaison with the occupants within the other live industrial units was another key element to the succesful delivery of the project. Consistent communication with them ensured that they were always kept informed of works and due to this excellent communication they, in return were very accomodating during the construction process and this ensured their day-to-day operations weren’t affected by our works.
The use of a variety of access equipment was needed to complete the works, we used various MEWP’s throughout the project however, we had to use a fixed scaffold system to the rear façade which included temporary handrail systems between the roof valleys of each unit to ensure safe access egress was maintained.
The exchange of information including variations throughout the project were seamless which benefitted the programme. We built an excellent relationship with the Contract Administrator and Architect during the construction phase. We held weekly progress meetings to ensure programme milestones were being achieved along with site inspections to inspect coating systems to reduce the need for any defect rectifications.
Subcontractors
Seddon is one of very few main contractors that has an in-house capability to deliver trade packages covering mechanical, electrical, brickwork, joinery, plastering, painting and decorating. We have almost 250 directly employed skilled and in-house trained operatives which allows us to control quality and commitment.
To supplement our direct resource capacity, we use supply chain partners; subcontractors, suppliers and design specialists from our preferred supply chain. Our 1500 strong supply chain was managed by Supply Chain Manager, Steve McCluskey and his team who have extensive experience across the region.
For the Westway project, we utilised the below subcontractors to successfully deliver the project:
- The Roofing Company - Undertook the installation of the gutter lining system.
- LG Upright Scaffolding - Erected and dismantled the scaffolding and carried out all Scaffold works.
- Stablefolds - Removed two canopy structures adorned across two units.
Our subcontractors were engaged in a ‘pre-contract interview’ which is a standard Seddon procedure; this ensures that all expectations, standards and terms are agreeable in advance of placing an order, and that the programme and scope of works is clear and understood by all. Daily coordination meeting were held to ensure continuity of works were achieved with the changing scope throughout the project.
Challenges
The industrial estate was extremely busy, with HGV deliveries and fork lifts in operation throughout the day. The use of traffic management and temporary works was adopted to ensure we had a segregated working environment to carry out our operations.
We encountered restrictions of space for our site welfare and compound, fortunatley we were able to come to an agreement with one tenant, they were able to move stock externally so we could place our compound and provide welfare for our site teams.
One extension of time was granted, agreed and instructed by the client, due to additional works needed toward the end of the project.
Environmental impact key points
• We used more sustainable products throughout the project
• Our in house Site Teams and subcontractors all participated in vehicle sharing
• We were able to monitor travelling distances of everyone on site due to our Signing in and out sheets which meant we could calculate the CO2 produced andaim to offset this throughout the project life-cycle.
• All waste was removed from site and disposed at our recycling plant.
Outcomes and Benefits
• We have maanged to prepare all surfaces and apply new coating systems to provide a warranty for eight years to the cladding.
• The use of Dulux Cladshield, Metalshield ensured an excellent finish along with a more sustainable product being used.
• The industrial estate has received a much needed face-lift which will attract more tenants into the vacant units, bringing more businesses to the area and raising local spend.
• The gutter lines have recieved a new coating system which will have a fifteen year warranty.
• Due to the new gutters and gutter lines we have helped the client prevent water ingress into the units from the defective old system. Protecting both the building and the tenants and their stock items.