Newhaven Youth Centre New-build

the project

Sussex Community Development Association (SCDA) appointed Faithorn Farrell Timms (FFT) to undertake the role of Contract Administrator, Quantity Surveyor and Principal Designer for the construction of a new single-storey youth centre.

SDCA is a registered charity that works across East Sussex supporting community-based projects aimed at addressing the needs of the most vulnerable.

There is strong evidence of the need for this youth centre in Newhaven which remains a disadvantaged area of East Sussex.

our role

Our client had previously appointed an architect to produce the concept design and obtain planning permission. FFT worked with the architect and newly appointed structural and mechanical and electrical engineers to develop the design to tender stage. We commissioned various site investigations to assist with this and produced tender documentation. Competitive tenders were obtained and analysed and a report drafted for our clients consideration.

We also undertook the role of Principa Designer and provided a detailed Pre-Construction Information Pack prior to tender.

During construction, we undertook the role of Contract Administrator and Quantity Surveyor including chairing meetings, inspecting the works, valuing the works and producing payment certificates, reports and cashflow forecasts.

the challenges

The site location is a former landfill site.  This raised two key concerns: the weight of building that the ground could support and the potential of ground gas being present.

The project was largely funded by a National Lottery grant. Our client required assistance in making the lottery claim and in keeping the project within budget. Our client also required a sustainable building.

the solutions

To manage the risks associated with the sites former landfill use, we obtained extensive site investigation surveys including a geotechnical investigation report, an environmental investigation and report, environmental remediation strategy and verification plan, topographical survey and ground radar survey. This enabled the structural engineer to design a lightweight concrete raft foundation with gas mitigation measures incorporated into the design.

A cross laminated timber (CLT) structure with good levels of insulation was used to construct the building. This reduced the energy requirement to heat the finished building. The heat that is required will be provided by an efficient Air Source Heat Pump. An added benefit of the CLT structure is its lighter weight compared to traditional construction which reduced the load on the foundations and helped offset the poor ground conditions.

We worked with our client in preparing the application for a National lottery grant, we prepared a capital project delivery plan to support this followed by regular reports during the construction phase. Initial tender returns exceeded the budget, we then worked with the contactor to reduce costs and remain within budget.

added value

We assisted our client in obtaining National Lottery funding, providing reports and cashflow forecasts. We commissioned extensive site investigation works to manage project risks and worked collaboratively with other consultants and the contractor to provide a sustainable and value for money building.