Egham’s newest building gets thumbs up from the inspectors
Hemel Hempstead, 14 November 2016 - A new development in Egham, Surrey, has been described by inspectors as ‘exceeding excellent’. The new Gartner European headquarters, owned by Royal London Asset Management and located on The Glanty in Egham is due to complete externally in February and it will then be fitted out internally through until August. It was visited by an inspector from the Considerate Constructors Scheme (CCS).
Mr Andrew Pratt of the CCS scored work on the £35 million scheme – being carried out by BAM Construction - as ‘exceptional’ in three categories and merely ‘excellent’ in the remaining two. He said: ‘This project is a credit to UK Construction plc. Not enough attention is given to the first person you meet on many projects, well done for bucking the trend. I cannot do justice to the wide range of policies and procedures on this project. The management team presented itself as wanting to improve and this in itself is best practice.’
BAM Construction is behind the works on behalf of Royal London Asset Management and Gartner, the worldwide technology and research giant, which will occupy the completed building. BAM said it was pleased with its exceptional ranking for appearance, respecting the community, and safety.
Project Manager John Rabey said: ‘If you are a large corporate firm like Gartner, the last thing you want is a brutal and inconsiderate construction enterprise treading heavily over your neighbours. At BAM we have long since set out to be the exact opposite, and to build relations with the community around us, leaving our clients a sense of goodwill from those around the new building we deliver. It is not just the building itself which should be outstanding, it is the whole approach from your construction partner. Hopefully, we’ve been able to deliver some additional benefits in Egham during our time here.’
Many points were identified by the inspector, including the cleanliness of the site and vehicles exiting it; the artwork competition it sponsored from a local school (Manorcroft) which is now displayed on its hoardings; the company’s use of newsletter and Facebook to keep local people informed; its taking on an mechanical design undergraduate and a sandwich year student; and charitable events raising substantial donations for the Alzheimer’s Society and the British Heart Foundation. The scheme has put initiatives in place to help the workforce with topics such as diet, sugar intake, coronary risk assessment and protection from silica dust.
The company’s current work in Surrey also includes Ryden’s Enterprise School in Hersham. Recently it completed the Veterinary School for the University of Surrey, and the Upstream Learning Centre in Sunbury. Its earliest scheme was the County Hall in 1893, and still the headquarters of the County Council.
See the scheme’s Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/BAM-Tamesis-1-818045674974584
Further information: Mark Slattery, press and media manager, BAM Construct UK Ltd, 01442 238415.