The Gates Redevelopment

The redevelopment comprises creating an ‘external’ mall area, providing new retail, restaurant and cinema units (shell & core only) in addition to the provision of 4No new build Student Accommodation Blocks, providing approximately 250 high quality student apartments.

The project Client is Clearbell Capital and is valued at approximately £30m, with construction works being completed in early 2019.

The project utilises a ‘value-driven’ M&E design strategy throughout, with particular emphasis on achieving ‘best-value’ for the Student Blocks to ensure compliance with Planning Requirements and Building Regulations is achieved.

The student development incorporates CHP via a common plant room.  High efficiency LED lighting is also provided, in addition to a centralised ‘whole-house’ mechanical supply and extract system complete with heat recovery.

The ’whole-house’ system links a number of apartments (vertically) to roof-void mounted vent-plant, which provides continuous ventilation. The vent plant and the associated vertical ductwork were all coordinated during the early stages of the Technical Design using a 3D Design Coordination tool (Revit).

The site is currently served via 3 DNO HV substations, one of which is to be modified to serve the proposed Cinema development. Discussions with the DNO have been crucial in gaining an understanding of their requirements and ensuring that the design meets with their specific needs.

In addition to the production of Technical Design Information, TGA’s scope increased to include Stage 5 Installation information. This was to support the construction phase due to the complexities of installation associated with the strict spacial constraints imposed by the existing Mall Level building (that is to remain) and the building restrictions imposed by the Planners.