More than just business as usual

Following the uncertainty of 2020, we’re pleased to have signed off some high-profile completed projects over the past year, and we’re very much looking forward to getting underway with a number of new building control projects in the commercial and mixed-use markets.

Earlier this year we made several senior level appointments, enhancing our commercial building control capabilities. We’re pleased that this growth has led to some new client relationships forming – for example, the work we’re carrying out for George Wilson Construction at Joseph Wilson Industrial Estate – as well as ensuring the continued high level of support for our existing client base, such as WW Martin and Kier Construction on the Maplesden Noakes and Ebbsfleet Primary School projects.

The new contracts that we have coming up, some of which are highlighted below, demonstrate the reputation we have earned for our high standard of work and attention to detail.

Let’s look at some of those contracts in more detail…

Land between Arthur Baker playing fields and Maidstone Road, Kent

Contractor/client: Jenner

Architect: RDA Architects

Purpose: Dwelling-House (New)

Number of Units: 51

Contract acceptance: June 2018

Status: Complete

The development on this land in Kent included the construction of a 46-unit age-restricted affordable housing scheme, 5 age-restricted bungalows and the creation of a new pedestrian and vehicular access point linking Maidstone Road through to the Arthur Baker Playing Fields.

Admirals Walk, Kent

Contractor/client: Malro Homes

Architect: Kent Design Partnership

Purpose: Dwelling-House (New)

Number of Units: 31

Contract acceptance: November 2018

Status: Complete

31 new homes were completed at this complex site in Minster-on-Sea in Kent. Colourful vertical boarding and projecting framed gables give the units a distinctive character.

Ebbsfleet Green Primary School, Swanscombe

Contractor/client: Kier Construction

Architect: GDM Architects

Purpose: Assembly and Recreation

Value: £6m

Contract acceptance: January 2020

Status: Complete

This new primary school in Kent will serve the new community at Ebbsfleet Green, beginning as a one-form entry school and expanding as the volume of students in the area increases.

Beech Walk, Hoddesdon

Contractor/client: Davis Construction

Architect: Ingleton Wood

Purpose: Flat (New)

Value: £5.3m

Number of Units: 39

Contract acceptance: February 2020

Status: Complete

This significant residential development project, undertaken by Davis Construction, included the demolition of the existing properties in order to make way for the 39 newly built homes for people over the age of 55.

The Maplesden Noakes School, Maidstone

Contractor/client: WW Martin

Architect: Bond Bryan Architects

Purpose: Assembly and Recreation

Value: £4.5m

Contract acceptance: May 2020

Status: Complete

This secondary school in Kent undertook a number of building improvements to provide pupils and teachers with upgraded facilities.

In addition to the construction of an entirely new three-storey teaching block, the project included an extension to the school dining area, and refurbishment of the science laboratory and Food Technology teaching room.

196-200 The Broadway, London

Contractor/client: Neilcott Construction

Architect: DLA Design

Purpose: Mixed Use

Value: £11m

Number of Units: 121

Contract acceptance: August 2021

Status: Live

This complex mixed-use development in Wimbledon was for  a 121 room YMCA hostel and 135 new homes with ground floor retail spaces. The site lies adjacent to The Broadway and South Park and involved a series of connected buildings of differing heights and plot widths.

Imperial College, Kent

Contractor/client: Telereal Trillium

Architect: Lee Evans Partnership

Purpose: Dwelling-House (New)

Value: £20m

Number of Units: 50

Contract acceptance: September 2021

Status: Live

The project at this former college was to convert a former college site into 50 high-end homes within the grounds. As an historically significant site, an architectural heritage survey was necessary to ensure the important features of the Grade I and II listed buildings were maintained.

The Old Electricity Works, St Albans

Contractor/client: James Taylor Group

Architect: BW Architecture Ltd

Purpose: Flat (New)

Value: £18m

Contract acceptance: October 2021

Status: Live

This project involved transforming a decommissioned electricity works into a mixed-use residential scheme, delivering 107 dual aspect high quality homes and 499m2 of commercial space.

Wrapped around two courtyards, each designed with distinct characters, the area delivers a shared space for all of the building’s occupants.

Church Lane, Kent

Contractor/client: Austin Smith Homes

Architect: Clague Architects

Purpose: Dwelling-House (New)

Number of Units: 14

Contract acceptance: September 2021

Status: Live

Joseph Wilson Industrial Estate, Kent

Contractor/client: George Wilson Construction

Architect: Clague Architects

Purpose: Industrial

Value: £5m

Contract acceptance: October 2021

Status: Live

In one of our first larger projects with George Wilson Construction, the scheme at Joseph Wilson Industrial Estate will provide the industrial units with additional parking, servicing areas and landscaping. The 82,000 sq.ft expansion will bring the allocated employment site forward and provide economic benefits to the area.

Commenting on these projects, David Woodward, CEO at Harwood Building Control comments: “Despite the challenges of the last eighteen months, we have helped to bring some major developments to fruition, with more on the horizon. We are pleased to continue our good working relationships with existing clients and to develop some exciting new ones”.

To find out more about how we work at Harwood, or to see some of our recently completed projects, visit our projects page or contact us on 01227 931 777 or enquiries@harwood.uk.com

 

If you are looking to mitigate risks in terms of delays or unexpected costs, the experience of Harwood ensures buildings are safe for their users by identifying non-compliant features and working with design teams and contractors so they can create real-world solutions to construction challenges.  With its Head Office in Kent, Harwood provides A building control services for commercial construction projects across England and Wales.  Our highly professional yet approachable approach and pragmatic attitude ensures the details that matter are taken care of.