The project was to demolish an existing single storey lean to building and construct a new 2 storey wrap around extension on the existing building cutting into the existing landscape. The ground floor added a foyer area, male, female and disabled toilets, a new kitchen, 4 large storage rooms and a new entrance to the existing building. The first floor space added 3 function rooms, a small kitchen area and a second disabled toilet. The existing landscaped area and contours of the land reinstated the rear of the ground floor area was below ground.

A key driver on the project was the efficiency and future running costs associated with the building. The procurement and installation of ground heat source heating, solar panels, recycled rain water system and heat recovery systems along with sensor lighting controls and flow efficient showers were all included in the scheme.

The fabric of the building was standard construction comprising of concrete retaining walls to the ground floor, traditional block cavity walls to the first floor, JJI floor joists to allow services to be contained, Steel framework to support the composite roof sheets. The building was highly insulated in both the cavities and the roof to minimise the heating requirements.

This project was competitively tendered with Pinington Limited being the lowest bidder. The tender value was substantially over budget. The client, Halton Community Association, had successfully bid for grants from various parties including BERR, Lancashire Locals Climate Change Fund and Forest of Bowland Sustainable Development Fund. The expected funding was significantly below the tender values. The focus therefore was to try and deliver the project by reducing the overall value, but to try and keep the fundamental scope of work in place. Pinington Limited were invited to be part of this process, working alongside the design team and client. The target figure was established and by undertaking value engineering the team finally arrived at an approved value of works. The key factors were keeping the functionality of the building, keeping the renewable energy installations and keeping the standards set by the Architect. It was a difficult but rewarding process resulting in the scheme going ahead as Pinington Limited as the Main Contractor.

Value engineering continued throughout the duration of the project, ensuring that the client got the best possible value for money. The scheme was finally delivered as programmed, to excellent standards and within the budgets set.

Pinington Limited, as a local Building Contractor were proud to be a part of this scheme and delighted that we contributed as one member of a team to actually deliver this worthwhile project for the local community