CASE STUDY:

RETAIL SERVICES, SCUNTHORPE

Introduction and Client Background

Our client obtained an option to acquire a plot of land in Scunthorpe to develop 2 retail units, one of which was a convenience store and a coffee shop drive-thru. The purchase of the land was subject to planning approval. Inform surveying was appointed as the Employer’s Agent and Project Manager for the scheme. The client needed a client focused PM and Employer’s Agent to:

• Coordinate the members of the design team and Planning consultants.
• Ensure a design was developed that met the Tenant requirements.
• That maximised the developer’s profit by being economical and simple to construct, helping to achieve a successful construction project.
• Had a high probability of achieving a planning approval.

Objectives of the Employer’s Agent Role

The objectives to be achieved were as follows:

• Coordinating site surveys, and ground investigations to allow the necessary reports to accompany the planning application to be prepared. Mitigating risks by ensuring suitable site investigations were completed.
• Liaising with various consultants, such as Highways, drainage engineers, and tree and sound surveyors, who prepared reports for planning.
• Ensuring key project milestones were met to achieve submission of the planning application.
• Liaising with potential Tenants to ensure the design team incorporated their requirements into the design. Gaining agreement at an early stage reduced the risk associated with late design changes.
• Preparation of budget costs.
• Tendering the project, and negotiating with the successful contractor, and incorporating value engineering to achieve best value for the employer.

Project Management Approach

Detail how Inform Surveying approached the project. Did we implement a detailed cost management strategy? Conduct regular site inspections? Coordinate between multiple contractors? Focus on how our expertise in contract administration, communication, and risk management contributed to the project’s success.

Our approach to ensure a successful outcome was to proactively manage the project through regular site meetings and inspections thus ensuring any potential problems and issues were resolved as soon as possible to avoid them escalating. 

We liaised with the design team and contractor to ensure information was correctly and promptly communicated.

We were responsible for cost control, regularly updating the project costs as required and ensuring that any changes with cost implications were handled efficiently.

Findings and Solutions

The local planning authority refused the planning application. Our client appealed and was granted planning approval on appeal. This delayed the start of the work on site by over a year. During the delay, we ensured the tender costs were revised and updated and that all design work that could be completed as part of the design and build process was ready to start on site as soon as planning approval was received.

The installation of the substation and new electrical supply was delayed. This meant the buildings were complete and ready for occupation before the power could be turned on. Working with the contractor and Tenant representatives, we were able to reach agreements with the Tenants to allow them to start fitting out before the power was made live. This helped secure the Tenants for the client and allowed the project to be completed earlier than expected.

Outcome and Client Feedback

Although there were challenges on site, with our expert management, the project was completed within the agreed budget. Liaising with the Tenants and allowing them to start fit-out before the power was made live allowed a timely completion. This enabled the client to successfully sell the development in a timely manner.

Conclusion

As a Project Manager and Employer’s Agent, INform Surveying provides expert guidance and management to ensure the successful delivery of construction projects. Our proactive approach to contract administration, budget control, and quality assurance helps clients navigate the complexities of construction projects with confidence, ensuring that their investments are safeguarded and their projects are delivered with precision and foresight.

Need an experienced Employer’s Agent and Project Manager for your next project? Contact INform Surveying today to find out how our expert team can ensure your project is delivered on time, on budget, and to the highest standards.