The Plantation, Swarcliffe

  • Form of Contract

    Form of Contract

    JCT Design & Build

  • Client

    Client

    Leeds City Council

  • Architect

    Architect

    2H Architect

  • Engineers

    Engineers

    ARC Engineering

  • Programme

    Programme

    82 Weeks

  • Completion

    Completion

    July 2016

Works Scope

The development of new modern accommodation for Leeds City Council on a logistically complex Brownfield site.
The site was developed into 18 new apartments known as The Plantation. These high-quality properties have been designed and built with older people in mind and benefit from a lift, off street parking and landscaped communal gardens.

We were appointed to build the six one-bedroom and 12 two-bedroom apartments, which have been sited to make the most of natural light to help reduce running and heating costs for tenants.

The homes are part of the Council’s ambitious plans to build around 1,000 new homes and bring Brownfield sites back
into use. The former site was home to a public house and was once a target on the Council’s derelict and nuisance building hit-list.

  • New Build residential housing works.
  • Procured and delivered through a collaborative framework.
  • Focus on SME use and local labour to maximise social impact.
  • Use of low carbon materials – timber frame construction.
  • Detailed RAMs to ensure the works were delivered safely and efficiently and minimise local impact.

Key Project Challenges

  • Sustainable and low carbon design and construction.
  • Tenant liaison and engagement.
  • Safe delivery on a logistically-complex city centre site.
  • Affordability - delivery within the project budget.
  • Maximising social value outcomes and local regeneration.

How we successfully delivered the project

Early contractor engagement was used to de-risk the project and find the most sustainable solution within the budget. We also used digital tools to share information efficiently with all stakeholders, which are up to 30% faster than traditional methods. We created a robust Stakeholder and Tenant Liaison plan with a dedicated Liaison Officer to resolve challenges at an early stage, and a Community Investment plan to maximise social value outcomes and address local issues. We also held a ‘Meet the Buyer’ event to engage and bring onboard local suppliers. Early engagement with the design team helped support the use of low carbon products and timber frame selection.

 

Added value and social impact

  • SROI target £752k
  • Delivered on time and within budget
  • Provided affordable community housing
  • 16% lower operating costs
  • Zero accidents or complaints
  • 99% of waste recycled
  • 72% of subcontracts placed locally
  • 2 new jobs created
  • 64 apprentice weeks supported
  • 1 school visit accommodated
  • 1 work experience placement provided
  • 9/10 customer satisfaction