The facts
Project Location: Salford Quays, Salford
Client: Peel Holdings
Start Date: July 2007
Completion Date: Phase 1 remains under
construction
Contract Type: Building Regulation
Assessment
Procurement method: Competitive tender
Project Construction Value: £300,000,000
Services provided: Building Regulation Assessment,
Pre-contract guidance, Third party structural check, Fire Strategy
/ Engineering assessment, Site monitoring
The project
The first phase of this prestigious scheme which will relocate
the BBC to Salford Quays. Media City is a colossal commercial
undertaking involving a self-contained media community on a
200-acre development.
One of the biggest regeneration projects in Europe, it will
house global media organisations and technology companies alongside
shops, hotels apartments and other public amenities.
Capita Symonds is currently providing Building Control
Services on the first phase of this prestigious development. We
were selected following extensive involvement with previous Peel
Holdings projects together with our experience with numerous
complex and innovative developments. Initial guidance was provided
to the design team - ongoing support and assessment has been
provided as the detailed design evolves.
This is a unique development, the core facility - an
internationally recognised studio complex includes both office and
hotel accommodation within integral tower buildings. Phase 1 also
includes apartment towers together with speculative office
accommodation Education / training facilities and commercial
outlets form an integral part of the scheme.
Mixed use developments on this scale are unique, bringing
challenges to Building Control, non more so than the development of
an effective fire strategy.
The Fire Engineering issues associated with this development
have been challenging, the Building Control Team have developed a
reputation for providing a practical and common senesce approach to
Building Standards. Providing financial certainty relating to
design standards has been given high priority. The engineering of
solutions that meet both performance standards and client needs is
obviously a fundamental part of “the job”.
Specialist site surveyors provide ongoing site support within
the construction team, leading to completion and final
certification.
Full compliance with Part L was imperative and innovative energy
sources has help ensure that the development fully addresses the
sustainability agenda.