Gunwharf Quays Canopies

This project consists of the design, manufacture, and construction of two steel frame kiosks in central square of the Gunwharf quays shopping centre, with contractor’s design elements, in an occupied site.

• Design & Build services – PTC worked with land securities and their architects to develop the design of the Kiosks at Gunwharf Quays.
• Installation of hoarding – PTC installed suitable hoarding to the site with the client’s artwork installed for aesthetic purposes.
• Groundworks – Including excavation of the existing ground makeup which was on top of an existing RC slab over the existing car park, the installation of pad foundations for the new kiosks and service installations including water and electric for the end users.
• Penetrations to underground carpark for services – In order to install services including the water, electric and drainage. Penetrations were made through the significant RC slab into the carpark underneath to connect to existing.
• Steel superstructure – Installed to precise specification with a cantilevered roof to allow bifold doors to fully open and stack to the side of the building turning the building into a canopy.
• Roofing – constructed within a restricted site working area, where working in close proximity to an existing canopy. Constructed with high quality materials, facia, and hidden downpipes.
• Cladding – Constructed to the rear of the kiosk and as an internal dividing wall to a high-quality finish.
• First fix M&E – installation of first fix M&E to the building in preparation for the end users shop fit out team.
• Drainage installation – Constructed to meet the building and connect to existing using high specification slot drainage.
• Paving – Alteration of existing drainage to mee the construction of the building ensuring a level surface at the threshold for disabled access.

CHALLENGES & SOLUTIONS

Public – Due to the location of the works within a live shopping centre with a high footfall, this project required careful consideration with regards to working in the vicinity of the general public. PTC worked closely with land securities to ensure suitable works/pedestrian segregation was in place. To mitigate these associated risks all works were contained within the secure hoarding with any movements between the compound and works area were restricted to periods outside of the shopping centre’s opening hours.

• Businesses – Due to the vicinity of the surrounding businesses and shopping centre environment, works were coordinated to ensure that any activities that would potentially provide a significant amount of statutory nuisance (noise, dust, vibration etc.) were carried out outside of business hours.

Night working – In order to mitigate disruptions and impact on the surrounding public and stakeholders, PTC carried out much of the works through night working shifts, especially where works will have a significant impact.