Space Park, Leicester

This project presented significant hurdles as it commenced in February but encountered the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in March. One of the primary challenges was the necessity to keep the project operational, given our essential worker status attributed to the construction site’s role as an ‘educational centre’. However, this required us to operate with a reduced on-site workforce. The pandemic intensified difficulties because many of our supply chain partners had to temporarily close. Additionally, maintaining social distancing measures on the construction site posed considerable challenges, especially since collaborative work was often required.

In order to address the challenges we faced, we had to strategically plan and adapt our work processes to minimise physical interactions. This involved implementing staggered start times for our employees, reducing equipment rotations, and limiting the number of visitors to the site. Additionally, we had to frequently switch suppliers to ensure they could meet our requirements and prevent any work delays. Notably, we had to change concrete suppliers three times, which introduced additional uncertainties on the site.

The job resulted in a profitable outcome, delivered on schedule, which marked a significant achievement for everyone involved. Additionally, the site garnered several accolades post-construction, such as being recognised as the winner of the Large Non-Residential Scheme of the Year and the Regeneration Project of the Year at the ProCon Leicestershire Awards, as well as earning the title of Sustainable Project of the Year at the East Midlands’ Property Awards.

Contracts Manager – Andy Bramhall
Site Manager – Tony Witts
Engineer – Jack Crews
Groundworkers – Joe Summerhill, Dave Hewison, Hesketh Watts, Wayne Johnson, S Hufton