440 capacity site accommodation complex over 2 floors delivered to achieve critical programme
With refurbishment works complete, the East Office Annexe (EOA) at Hinkley Point C in Somerset is now ready to be occupied by the team responsible for members of the team working to construct the UK’s first new nuclear power station in a generation. Once complete, Hinkley Point C will provide enough low-carbon electricity for 6 million homes, playing an important role in reaching the goal of net-zero.
Delivering the project
The 4,500m2 operations facility was specified to accommodate key personnel in a comfortable and practical environment over 2 of the 3 floors in the existing building modular structure.
The scope of works included complete mechanical & electrical replacement, roof repairs, recommission of a personnel lift, lighting, carpets & flooring, partitions & internal structures, communications & data infrastructure, furniture, fixtures & equipment. The client specification identified a requirement for 220 workstations per floor. Each floor is served by a kitchenette and toilets with meeting rooms and breakout areas.
Working with multiple stakeholders (client, facilities management and end user) TCi undertook an initial concept design phase, setting out proposals in-line with the user requirement. The development phase included provisions for safety containment via temporary perimeter fencing with routes of access & egress, along with design and engineering consideration for an elevated walkway.
A 32-week project programme was established, with phased handover and included:
- Full replacement of electrical scheme and services
- Replacement of air-handling & air-conditioning systems
- Lighting
- Doors/fire doors & ironmongery
- Creation of fire escape steel structure & emergency stairs
- Turnstile system
- Plumbing & installation of Kitchens & WCs
- All furniture, fixtures & equipment
Covid-19 restrictions came into force mid-project, however, swift action on behalf of the site management enabled safe routes of access and systems of work almost immediately. Although some supply chain interruption was experienced, site operations continued, enabling the original programme to be maintained.
This project has created an entirely new interior ‘floor-to-ceiling’, within the existing shell of the building.
A comprehensive and phased handover, floor-by-floor included test & commission, signage to client specification, complete O&M manuals with client training and walkthroughs.
“Creating modern and comfortable workspace within what is ultimately temporary accommodation can be challenging, but by embracing contemporary design principles, we have been able to deliver an effective workspace capable of accommodating significant staff numbers.”
TCi Project Director, Chris Pyne
Award-winning operation and continuous improvement
During the project, TCi was awarded “EXEMPLA” status through an initiative by the client to assess contractors working on its sites. The award recognises communication and culture, safety signage, appearance and innovations. One such example is the Daily Site Activity board which provides a clear at-a-glance summary of worker locations, hazards and operations. The team was also used to further develop TCi’s successful Safety Observation Scheme, which as a result has now become a company-wide Workplace Observation Scheme, replacing previous internal feedback routes with a single, simple form system.
TCi’s quality management approach strives to align with the exceptional standards set by HPC and this was highly evident when the project was completed with only 13 snags identified by the client during the handover process.