HMP ELMLEY CONSERVATORY

We have successfully completed and handed over our first major project, a conservatory replacement to the visitors centre for the MOJ at Elmly Prison on the Isle of Sheppey. These works were undertaken by our team who worked tirelessly to ensure that the scope of works was completed on time and to contract budget. We are proud to say that the project was handed back to the client over a week ahead of programme.

The Visitors Centre at the prison is located outside the secure perimeter of HMP Elmley and over the years has suffered from its exposed location. In addition to the replacement of the conservatory, the client also wanted the rainwater runoff to be connected to a new soakaway drainage system, repairs to be carried out to existing wall, internal decoration and the installation of air conditioning in the refurbished conservatory.

Our scope of works acting as PC comprised of:

• Design and installation of replacement Conservatory
• Design and installation of suitable soakaway drainage
• Design and installation of Air Conditioning system x 2 and associated electrical works
• Repair and refurbishment of internal and external blockwork
• Replacement of cracked plastic airbricks
• Replacement of missing rainwater guttering on rear of main Visitors Centre

Acting as PC we were required to provide a qualified site lead at all times overseen by our Project Manager Christian Warrell. With this facility being outside the secure perimeter it had not been necessary as part of the contract for our staff working on site to be vetted for prison works, however, we took it upon ourselves to make sure that all staff that attended this site were vetted. This proved worthwhile as staff were required to enter the secure side of the prison whilst on site to carry out some works.

Aside from the works carried out by our team there was an element of subcontracting works that our PM oversaw during the works programme. These being:

• Pacific Windows and Conservatories (a company local to HMP Elmley) for provision of conservatory
• JIB Cooling Ltd – for installation and commissioning of HVAC
• Monson Engineering Ltd – for consultancy services

Working closely with our client we were able to offer some alternatives to their original scope, which resulted in reduced costs and a greater warranty period simply by changing the proposed colour of the conservatory frame.

Part of the works was to protect the existing flooring but on closer inspection whilst on site visits it was noted that the flooring had deteriorated to such an extent that it would be uneconomical to clean and repair, therefore, AW Construction offered to replace this FOC using surplus stock from our stores.

During the drainage/soakaway design it quickly became apparent that the substrata was formed of London Clay making it almost impossible to introduce a soakaway drainage scheme. To overcome this our Engineering Consultants proposed connecting to an existing drainage system.

By working closely with the client, our team and vetted subcontractors, and continuously reviewing the schedule of works we successfully delivered this project 1.5 weeks ahead of schedule.