The Memphis Building
Client
The Student Loans Company
Sector
Commercial Offices
Services provided
Project Management,
Contract Administration,
The Memphis Building
The Student Loans Company (SLC) appointed PMP through a competitive tender process to provide Project Management (PM) and Contract Administration (CA) services for the refurbishment of its existing BCO Award-winning office, The Memphis Building, in Darlington.
To accommodate additional employees, SLC commissioned the redesign of its 900 desk office to increase capacity to around 1,100. The work included the redesign of the space, enhanced storage facilities, break out spaces, welfare facilities as well as an overhaul of the power infrastructure. New flooring, kitchen facilities and the introduction of biophilia and planting was included to improve the working environment for users and create an inviting place to work that would also promote wellbeing.
PMP worked alongside the appointed interior designer to finalise the designs and ensure that the client’s brief would be achieved. This was carried out through a series of workshops and meetings chaired by PMP and attended by representatives of all stakeholder groups.
Once the design had been decided, PMP prepared a detailed Description of Works and a master programme to allow SLC’s work to commence. However, the global covid-19 pandemic took hold and the planned strategy to commence the project was thrown into abeyance. After careful consideration, and the implementation of enhanced safety measurements, the works commenced and were able to be done during ‘normal hours’ as many of SLC’s staff began to work remotely.
During the works, the contractor faced a number of challenges outwith its control. The main initial challenge was the lack of availability to access materials as many suppliers had closed until the UK Government provided a directive that the construction industry and its supply chain could work through the lockdown. PMP supported the contractor in managing these and liaised between the contractor and SLC to ensure works were carried out to meet the clients’ brief while respecting the challenges and demands of the pandemic. Despite the challenging circumstances, works were completed and practical completion was achieved.
