Regal Property Group’s The Bank was purposefully designed to set new standards for apartment schemes in Birmingham and 90% of units in Tower 1 were sold off plan. As a result, the construction process has been extremely challenging, demanding quality and durability within the confines of a city centre location and extremely tight site footprint.
However, the relationship between client and main contractor has been wholly respectful and trusting throughout with communication between the two parties open and honest and this translating through the supply chain. Tower 1 was successfully handed over on time and to budget with zero compromise to health and safety and with a lasting sustainable legacy. The Tower 1 building is now almost fully occupied and construction of Tower 2 continues apace, with the client, project team and supply chain recently celebrating the topping out of the 100m+ building which was attended by the leader of Birmingham City Council.
The Biosite system sees the creation of a daily live diary which is managed by Wates’ Logistics Manager with learnings shared during the weekly production meeting with the client and supply chain. Potential issues are discussed and tackled ahead of them arising. Meanwhile, the Field View snagging tool results in the production of a live document detailing any snagging issues and their position. This is automatically delivered to the corresponding supervisor in order that they can be addressed and notify the system when they have been completed and are ready to be checked by Wates. This efficient transfer of information results in increased efficiency and effectiveness in the approach to snagging. This Field View tool also facilitates the swift tackling of waste management issues via an electronic clean up notice issued by the waste management company. Meanwhile, the Stop and Go system is proven to help with the mitigation of potential problems and there is a clear correlation between the more stop cards submitted and the reduction in health and safety risks.
Key achievements
The development of city centre residential schemes carries an undoubtable risk for clients like Regal. The housing crisis is driving people out of buying in the suburbs to renting in the city and residential developments must prove to be in equal calibre to a home, not typical rented accommodation if they are to be successful. The construction process is therefore extremely challenging, demanding quality and durability.
Despite this, the relationship between client and main contractor has been nothing other than wholly respectful and trusting with communication between the two parties open and honest throughout and this translating throughout the supply chain. As a result, Tower 1 was successfully handed over on time and to budget with zero compromise to health and safety and leaving a lasting sustainable legacy.
The Bank was purposefully designed to set new standards for apartment schemes in Birmingham and this is evidenced in 90% of units being sold off plan and the Tower 1 building now almost fully occupied. When construction of Tower 2 completes, The Bank will serve as a benchmark for urban residential schemes in Birmingham and Regal regularly accommodate site visits from other clients across the UK who are keen to observe the uncompromising quality and impressive standards generated from a residential construction project. When complete, the project will be utilised by Wates as an exemplar case study to showcase the construction success that can be achieved through close collaboration and true spirit of partnership between client and contractor – that is wholly supported by the entire supply chain. Wates intends to share this through digital content on its website and social media platforms as well as via press visits from trade publications.
