FMJ Facilities Management magazine providing industry-specific intelligence to FM and property professionals
Building services provider J S Wright has been awarded a contract worth more than £6 million to help turn a derelict canal-side site in Birmingham into a quality residential-led development.
The mechanical and electrical specialist will install the mechanical infrastructure services and fit out all 650 apartments at the 117-acre Soho Wharf scheme at Soho Loop on the city’s Main Line Canal, opposite Birmingham City Hospital.
The £165 million regeneration project is being driven by joint venture partners Galliard Homes and Apsley House Capital with the aim of transforming the former industrial site to attractive new apartments and townhouses, commercial space, and parks and gardens.
J S Wright will install a boosted cold-water plantroom with distribution pipework to all six blocks on the development, which will range from six to 14 storeys including retail and parking space.
In addition, the shell and core works involve installing soil and wastewater services, internal rainwater services, and dry risers for firefighting.
The company will also fit out all the one and two-bedroom apartments on the scheme with hot and cold-water services as well as soil and waste services.
The contract package for the apartments also includes installing domestic sprinklers and both heat recovery and extract ventilation systems.
Phil Leech, Managing Director of J S Wright, said: “With Birmingham undergoing a similar regeneration to London, it is a testament to our expertise that we have been appointed yet again to help deliver many more quality apartments in our home city.”
Work has already commenced on the project with completion scheduled for summer 2023.
As workplaces open up and restrictions lift the role of the FM has become more important than ever.
The challenges presented by the Covid-19 pandemic are now providing a valuable opportunity for FMs to demonstrate their skills and adaptability. Whilst on a practical level FMs are responsible for making buildings safe and comfortable, they are also crucial in attracting people back to the office.
In speaking with industry leaders, it is clear that there are six key areas of focus. Zip has published a white paper which looks at each one, suggesting ways that facilities managers can tackle the complexities and pace of a return to the workplace, whilst demonstrating clear and effective leadership along the way.
To find out more download the white paper here.
