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- Customer
- Cheshire West & Chester Borough Council
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- Procurement Route
- Framework - single stage
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- Completion Date
- 20/04/2012
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- Quantity Surveyor
- Cheshire West & Chester Borough Council/Baqus
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- Value
- £546,000
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- Form Of Contract
- PSPC5
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- Project Manager
- Cheshire West & Chester Borough Council/Baqus
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- Structural Engineer
- Gifford
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- Area
- 32,291 sq ft
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- Program Duration
- 25 weeks
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- Architect
- Lovelock Mitchell
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- ME Engineer
- Gifford
Introduction
The project was awarded via the North West Construction Hub (NWCH) Medium Value Framework. The four-year framework will see ISG working across the entire North West region delivering council projects valued between £500,000 and £10 million.Chester Town Hall is a Grade II* listed building and the phase three works concentrated on the internal alterations and refurbishment of the rooms which play a significant part in the cultural function of the building.
The Project
ISG made alterations to the Assembly Room stage to form a level platform. Full protection of the room was required during these works to prevent damage to the phase two refurbishments (and paintings), which restored the room, finishes and decorations.
ISG removed the redundant lift and created an off-stage level access piano storeroom and additional storage space on the second floor. A new sound and lighting system was installed plus the associated electrical services upgrade. Acoustic improvements were made to the Assembly Room.
Alterations were made to the existing front of house office and staff room accommodation to form a new Green Room suite with changing and toilet facilities, and a new box office was also formed.
The catering kitchen was updated and the redundant Magistrates Court was renovated to provide new bar and catering facilities.
The Added Value
As the team was working in a Grade II* listed building, there were a number of constraints which included items such as the artwork needing to remain in situ plus certain features that could not be altered which included the original stonework, flooring, ceilings and windows. Regular consultation with the council’s Conservation Officer took place to ensure requirements were being met.The project was successful at the North West Regional Construction Awards 2013, scooping the Regional Project of the Year: Cheshire, Warrington & Wirral accolade and was shortlisted in the Heritage category. It was recognised by the Chester Civic Trust in 2013, rewarding preservation and progress in the ‘Building Refurbishment’ category. It was also shortlisted for a 2013 RICS North West award in the ‘Building Conservation’ and ‘Tourism & Leisure’ categories.