Baqus Building, Construction and Quantity Surveying Consultancy News Blog

Topping out Ceremony takes place at New Sports Facility in Sussex

2012-05-18T15:20:22Z

BAQUS Construction Consultancy is pleased to announce that the New Park Centre in Chichester, West Sussex has successfully reached the 'topping out' stage with a number of the construction team attending the site for the ceremony.

The ceremony was also attended by Tony French, the Mayor of Chichester (pictured above with Chichester office Director Rob Owen - Far Left), who performed the ceremony.

BAQUS is providing Project Management, Quantity Surveying and CDM Co-ordination services for the new martial arts space (DOJO), community hall, reception and information facilities.

A further £70,000 is hoped to be raised for the community project, mainly through an initiative to sponsor a brick for just £5. To support this scheme please visit The New Park Centre's Facebook page.

Pictured above from left to right: Rob Owen (BAQUS) – Tony French (Mayor of Chichester) – Roger Halford (Brymor Contract Manager) – Russell Smith (Brymor Site Manager) – Sharon Gregory

For more information on this project or BAQUS' other sports and leisure schemes, in the south please contact Stacey Outen, Business Development Manager on 01243 792 220.

BAQUS Sponsored Southport Under 8’s Triumph At Local Tournament

2012-05-11T12:17:05Z

BAQUS Construction Consultancy is pleased to announce that its sponsorship of Southport’s under 8’s is paying dividends with the team’s first trophy at the Burscough Tournament, Victoria Park, on Sunday 7th May 2012.

The team played 5 games and were winners of their group. The next game involved the BAQUS sponsored side playing the winners of group 2, which was easily won 2 nil.

A Southport under 8’s supporter said: “It was a great competition with some talent on show, especially from Southport under 8’s. Hopefully the first of many trophies if we can keep the scouts away!”

BAQUS Construction Consultancy provides Project Management, Quantity Surveying, Building Surveying and CDM Co-ordination services from ten offices nationwide, which include offices in Manchester and Liverpool who support the Southport under 9’s closely.

For more information on BAQUS’ services and sponsorship in the local community please contact Director, Brian Williams on brian.williams@baqus.co.uk or 0161 881 5216

BAQUS Project Falcon Wharf And Hotel Rafayel Wins The Mayor’s Green Business Award

2012-05-04T14:14:41Z

In a grand function and ceremony held at Hotel Rafayel on Tuesday, 2nd May 2012, attended by the Mayor of Wandsworth, Cllr. Jane Cooper, JP, Wandsworth Council dignitaries and local MPs, Hotel Rafayel and Falcon Wharf building were presented the most coveted and prestigious honour, “The Mayor’s Green Business Award” which was preceded by the Mayor’s citation:

“Hotel Rafayel and Falcon has exerted unique efforts to adhere to an eco-conscious approach by cutting waste, saving energy, saving cost and cutting its carbon footprint. Ike Latif, the freeholder and developer, calls it “living at peace with nature.”

BAQUS Construction Consultancy provided a range of Quantity Surveying services for the Hotel Rafayel project, part of the Falcon Wharf complex.

The complex is a forerunner in exploring and implementing new technologies and continues to sustain its policies turning the property into a “smart” building which includes:

• Room automation that monitors hotel and individual guest’s electrical consumption
• Energy saving LED bulbs throughout the hotel
• Energy management ventilation and air-conditioning systems that circulate outside air into guest rooms
• Recyclable furnishings and beds
• A strict no-plastic policy and use of organic products
• Efficient water consumption systems

In 2011, Wandsworth Council awarded Hotel Rafayel Falcon Wharf complex several green Business Awards as overall Green Business Champion, winner of Best Environmental innovation, and was runner-up in the category of Carbon Reduction Achievement and the Best Green Business. In recognition of its achievements and ongoing efforts to “make a difference”, the Mayor is delighted to award Hotel Rafayel and FalconWharf “The Mayor’s Green Business Award.”

For more information on this project, BAQUS’ work in the hospitality sector and other sectors please contact Graham Williams, Executive Director on: 07771566831 or email: graham.williams@baqus.co.uk

Topping Out Ceremony Takes Place At Joseph Hood Primary School In London

2012-04-27T10:22:12Z

Joseph Hood Primary School in London continued the construction tradition of “topping out” the extension to the main primary school, which involves a celebration when the contractors place the last piece of material onto the roof of the project. The ceremony was attended by all children and staff at the primary school, as well as representatives from the London Borough of Merton and the design team.

BAQUS Construction Consultancy is providing Cost Management services on this £5.8m primary school extension. This project is just one of many education projects currently on going in association with Haverstock Associates LLP, Architects and one of many education projects for which BAQUS is responsible.

The project is due for completion at the end of August in time for the new intake at the start of the academic year.

For more information on this project and other services we can provide please James Jacobs in London on 020 7831 1283 or james.jacobs@baqus.co.uk

New Teaching Facilities at Chichester College Submitted For Planning Approval

2012-04-20T15:41:07Z

The new proposed ‘G’ Block for Chichester College, a new four story Construction Teaching Building together with all associated works, has been submitted for planning. The building will accommodate approximately 600 Students and will be located on the current site of G-Block, which is to be demolished. The building is aiming to achieve a BREEAM rating of ‘Very Good’.

BAQUS Construction Consultancy is acting as Project Manager/Employer’s Agent and the project is currently on programme to open in September 2013.

BAQUS is expecting the scheme to gain planning permission for the new ‘G’ Block at Chichester College, West Sussex by the middle of June with plans to start on-site in July 2012.

For further information please contact Stacey Edwards, Business Development Manager on 01243 792 220 or Stacey.edwards@baqus.co.uk

New Project Underway At Corpus Christi College, University of Oxford

2012-04-13T08:46:12Z

BAQUS Construction Consultancy's Oxford office has been appointed as Employer’s Representative for the construction of a new hall of residence in the centre of Oxford for Corpus Christi College.

The scheme involves 45 new en-suite student bedrooms and ancillary accommodation on five floors on a tight redevelopment site with very restricted access.

We are privileged to work for a variety of the constituent colleges of the University of Oxford and value highly our relationships with them.

For more information please contact Tom Evans, Business Development Manager on 01865 241 159 or tom.evans@baqus.co.uk

New Sports Facilities Opens At Trinity School In Newbury

2012-04-04T12:00:49Z

BAQUS Construction Consultancy has provided full quantity surveying services for new sports facilities at Trinity School in Newbury, Berkshire.

BAQUS’ Oxford office provided the services for the new multi-use sports hall and MUGA (multi use games area)

The £3.3m project, now fully in use by Trinity School, is also being used by the local community and sports clubs to allow everyone to enjoy the new facilities.

For more information on this project, or BAQUS’ Oxford office work in the education and sports sectors please contact Tom Evans, Business Development Manager on 01865 241 159

New Pharmacy At Major London Hospital Completed

2012-03-26T14:51:24Z

BAQUS Construction Consultancy is pleased to announce that the new £1m Pharmacy and Distribution Centre at University College London Hospital (UCLH) has been handed over to the NHS University Trust.

The UCLH Framework is just one of BAQUS’ major NHS Frameworks nationwide and this project builds on BAQUS impressive NHS record in London over the last decade.

BAQUS has provided full Project Management and Quantity Surveying services for the scheme, completed on time and within budget.

For more information on BAQUS’ healthcare services please contact Tom Evans, Business Development Manager on 020 7831 1283 or tom.evans@baqus.co.uk

New Health and Admin Facilities Completed for East London NHS Foundation Trust

2012-03-23T14:09:09Z

BAQUS Construction Consultancy is pleased to have provided Quantity Surveying services for East London NHS Trust’s project at Three Colts Lane in Bethnal Green.

The project involved working in a live environment to provide the refurbishment of the Three Colts Lane site, creating a new Administration Centre, housing a large number of the NHS Trust’s employees.

Also included is associated health facilities, including a drop in centre and clinics at the front of the building.

BAQUS has a number of NHS Frameworks in place throughout the UK and Three Colts Lane is another successful project for East London NHS Foundation Trust.

For more information please contact Tom Evans, Business Development Manager on 020 7831 1283 or tom.evans@baqus.co.uk

Hollymount Primary School, London Reaches Completion

2012-03-14T15:39:16Z

BAQUS Construction Consultancy has provided Cost Consultancy/Quantity Surveying services to the London Borough of Merton for a £5.1m extension at Hollymount Primary School.

The extension has created new classrooms to increase the schools entry from single form to two form and improves the internal layout for the school, providing breakout space and better facilities.

The building had to be aesthetically pleasing for the local community and fit into its surroundings; privacy is paramount for local residents and this led to alternative (slanted) windows being fitted.

Regular meetings with local residents took place to maintain good communication; all parties involved were flexible to allow for any unexpected disruption.

BAQUS were part of a design team led by Haverstock Associates LLP.

For more information please contact Tom Evans, Business Development Manager on 020 7831 1283 or tom.evans@baqus.co.uk.

BAQUS Construction Consultancy Attending MIPIM 2012

2012-03-05T15:53:43Z

BAQUS Construction Consultancy is sending two delegates to MIPIM in Cannes, South France this week.

Clive Sayer, Chief Executive Officer and Graham Williams, Executive Director will be joining over 20,000 delegates at the Worlds largest property market.

For more information on BAQUS at MIPIM 2012 please contact Tom Evans, Business Development Manager on 020 7831 1283 or tom.evans@baqus.co.uk

Business Development Managers Achieve Chartered Institute Of Marketing Qualifications

2012-03-01T16:25:30Z

BAQUS Construction Consultancy is pleased to announce that its Southern Business Development Manager, Stacey Edwards and London Business Development Manager, Tom Evans have both successfully gained their Professional Certificate in Marketing through the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM).

The course involved four units, ranging from the Essentials of Marketing to Stakeholder Marketing.

These training successes follow a number of recent professional qualifications achieved by BAQUS staff, including a Post Graduate Diploma in the Conservation of the Historic Environment, Chartered Surveyor and Health and Safety qualifications.

Clive Sayer, Chief Executive said “I am pleased to congratulate Stacey and Tom who put a great deal of effort and enthusiasm into their studies, most of which took place in their own time. BAQUS is committed to ongoing training and career development for all staff. Many team members started with us straight from school or college and a decade or two later are still with us but now highly qualified and in very senior roles”

Cannock Chase Leisure Centre Opens New State Of The Art Fitness Suite

2012-02-23T10:50:55Z

BAQUS Construction Consultancy is pleased to be providing Employer's Agent and Quantity Surveying services to Cannock Chase District Council for the phased refurbishment and extension of the Chase Leisure Centre.

The first phase of the project was successfully handed over to the Client on the 10th February 2012, and includes a new state of the art fitness suite, new reception and changing facilities. The building has been given an aesthetic boost during this phase with a new insulated render system over the existing 1970s brick facade, and a new ‘wave’ curved metal roof over both new and existing areas - in so doing giving the external appearance of a new build centre.

Also handed over were refurbished facilities serving the golf course adjacent to the sports centre, for which BAQUS provided services for the new associated changing facilities and club shop.

The final phase, which is due for completion in time for the 2012 London Olympics, will include refurbishment of the main and learner pools, office administration areas, dance studios, function rooms and the main sports hall.

In what is a big year for sports, this project adds to BAQUS' commitment to delivering high quality sports projects to local communities.

For more information please contact Peter Norris on 01243 792 220 or peter.norris@baqus.co.uk

P21 New Wards at St Martin’s Hospital, Canterbury Progressing Well

2012-02-17T09:34:59Z

BAQUS Construction Consultancy is providing P21 Project Management, Supervisor and Project Administration Services at the £10 million new St Martin’s Hospital Younger Adult Inpatient Accommodation comprising 2 x 18 bed wards and associated accommodation for Kent & Medway NHS and Social Care Partnership Trust (KMPT).

BAQUS is working in partnership with Pick Everard as part of their integrated team under the Buying Solutions Supplier Framework with KMPT. The Project is being delivered using the P21 Procurement Route.

A BREEAM Design Stage rating of ‘Excellent’ has been achieved and a further ‘Excellent’ rating is being aimed for at Post Completion – a challenging aim in a mental health environment. In addition, Kier Health has achieved ‘a very good site’ assessment by the Considerate Constructors Scheme, reflecting a very well managed site.

The project is being carried out on a live hospital site, with the minimum of disruption to existing services and close collaboration with neighbouring interests.

The recent spell of high winds followed by freezing conditions has placed pressures on the construction programme and whole team collaboration is helping to mitigate the impact.

BAQUS Construction Consultancy has provided Project Management services for part Phase 3 works, Phase 4 construction works and KMPT procured items essential for the project, as well as the implementation of a change in the service model.

The construction work is due for completion at the end of September 2012 with the wards operational by early November 2012.

For more information please contact Tom Evans – Business Development Manger on 020 7831 1283 or tom.evans@baqus.co.uk

New Harefield Academy Boarding House Officially Opened By Lord Adonis

2012-02-10T14:04:10Z

BAQUS Construction Consultancy acted as Employer’s Agent, Quantity Surveyor and CDM Co-ordinator for the new Boarding House at Harefield Academy, which has become the first Academy to take 'boarders'.

The new boarding housing was recently named The Lord Adonis House and officially opened by Lord Andrew Adonis. The new boarding house provides boarding accommodation for up to 50 students combined with 2 and 3 bedroom units for on-site staff. Ground floor areas provide 4 family rooms, a TV room, sixth form social area, kitchen and laundry areas together with a large social space for the boarders to relax.

The building was constructed of cross laminated timber sections that were able to be erected during the bad weather period last year whilst many sites were closed during the snow, resulting in the project only losing 2 days due to weather.

For more information please contact James Clark in BAQUS’ Oxford office on 01865 241 159 or james.clark@baqus.co.uk