Member Article

Redevelopment of historic arches is a special delivery

A team of building consultants have successfully delivered the transformation of five former arches underneath the A40, into a 3,200 sq ft first class mail and logistics facility to complement the local offices of a large financial services company.
Leading property consultancy Gent Visick’s Building Consultancy team worked with longstanding client RR Donnelley on the 12 week development, acting as project manager and quantity surveyor for the conversion of the derelict arches in the heart of London’s financial district. Matt Harriman, Senior Building Surveyor at leading niche property consultancy, Gent Visick, said: “These historic arches were in a poor state due to their age and when this was combined with a heavily restricted working area, no outside storage and very limited access in the heart of the City of London, it became an extremely challenging project”. “However, the finished project is very impressive and matches the attention to detail and its grand surroundings. This is the first time our team has worked on a major project in London following the successful opening of our office in the capital last year. It’s great to see this once derelict space transformed into a functioning facility to support the logistical operations in respect of the nearby offices of RR Donnelley’s client.
“With a shortage of space in city centres combined with high demand for property and the cost of land, conversion of disused arches in all major cities is an attractive option and helps to alleviate some of this pressure. This successful project is a great example of what can be achieved with vision and the right team.” To complete the project, 1200 square metres (equivalent to five tennis courts) of waterproofing membrane was installed to seal the arches. In addition, over three kilometres of cabling was used for the mechanical and electrical installations, alongside 40 tonnes of screed on the floor.
Gent Visick managed at team of consultants, including Loroc Architects, Omega Fire Engineers, mechanical and electrical consultants Troup Bywaters + Anders, building control firm Stroma and structural engineers Fairhurst. The contractor for the project was Waingap Contracts Limited.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Emma Mortimer .