Identity Consult has successfully handed over its first project for Newcastle University.
The Institute of Cellular Medicine Immunology project consisted of the refurbishment of two floors of the Leech Building, adjacent to the RVI Hospital, to develop new laboratories, serviced fume cupboards, seminar rooms and write-up space.
The laboratories will provide modern, open plan research laboratory spaces with associated tissue culture labs, advanced equipment and cold and dark rooms.
It is hoped that the discoveries made within this state-of-the-art facility will be used to develop and deliver innovative immunotherapies in local clinics.
Identity Consult, acting as Project Managers, Employer’s Agent and Quantity Surveyors, were appointed in March 2016 with a brief to take the project from a standing start to completion of the first phase by September 2016 and the second phase by December 2016.
To achieve such tight timescales, close collaboration between the University, GSS Architecture and contractor Clugston Construction Limited were required.
All parties played their part in forming a seamless team which not only ensured these dates were achieved but also ensured that the quality of both the design and works was outstanding throughout.
Pete Johnson, Director of Identity Consult who led the team noted: “The way the team worked together on this project to deliver what seemed like an impossible brief could be a case study in collaboration and integration.
“No team member mentioned schedules of services or contracts during delivery. Instead the focus was on everyone doing whatever they could to complete the project on time and to the highest possible quality.”
Not only were the time and quality objectives achieved, the final account for the project was also agreed and signed prior to handover.
Claire Birnie, Senior Project Manager for Estate Support Service at Newcastle University said: “There was an enormous amount of pressure to deliver this project within incredibly tight timescales as there were interdependencies with other time-critical projects within the Medical School.
“Identity Consult mobilised immediately to progress the cost plan, programme and procurement documentation and blended seamlessly with the Design Team and client representatives.
“There was a significant risk of the project not being completed within the required timescale, however the commitment and hard work from all involved meant that we achieved completion earlier than anticipated, and within budget.
“The Final Account was formally agreed and signed off prior to completion thanks to Identity Consult’s proactive management of the cost plan and close liaison with Clugston.
“The ICM project was a true example of collaborative, proactive teamwork; it certainly sets a very high benchmark for all future projects.”
The efforts of the team have been recognised with the project shortlisted in the Integration and Collaborative Working Award at the Constructing Excellence North East Awards which take place in June 2017.