The full scope of work comprises the construction of 49 new houses and flats all constructed in timber frame and brick/blockwork construction, plasterboard finishes internally, render, facing brick and cladding to external walls, tiles/metal roofing on timber roof structure, timber stairs, timber internal partitions, concrete ground floor slab on traditional concrete strip foundations, air source heating system, electrical and hot and cold water installations, in a mix of:
- 29 no. single and two storey terraced/semi-detached houses
- 2 no. blocks each containing 4 no. cottage flats
- 2 no. blocks each containing 6 no. flats (1no. private entry and 5 no. common staircase entry) comprising timber frame and brick/blockwork/cladding construction and concrete staircases
External Works
The external works included the formation of roads, car parking spaces and landscaping works together with plot works, drainage/sewer works and main services installation. Prior to works commencing on site to construct the new dwellings, a temporary haul road and site compound was constructed to be used throughout the duration of the build. The works entailed the widening of the bridge entrance from the main road and replacing the wood sleepers with tarmac. During these works all mature trees in the vicinity of the haul road required protection. The removed wooden sleepers were donated to the local community for re-use.
Protecting the Existing Community
Due to the location of existing residential accommodation a solid hoarding has been erected along the south boundary of the site and we have implemented route and speed and directional restrictions for construction vehicles and deliveries. During the works the hoarding encompassed a community notice board to keep residents up to date with progress and key milestones of the project together with a resident feedback post box. Our Project Manager carried out regular walks round the estate engaging with the local residents.
Community Benefits
The project was registered with the Considerate Constructor Scheme and achieved a “Beyond Compliance Certificate”. Prior to works commencing a newsletter was issued to all residents providing information on the company, the works being carried out, programme information and contact information for our Project Manager. We also held a “Meet the Contractor” evening attended by representatives of our company and the client to meet with the local residents and give them opportunity to ask any questions, or raise any queries or concerns.
A safety presentation was carried out with the local primary school, followed by a competition to design a safety poster, the winners were taken on a site tour which was attended by Ivor Goodsite, Considerate Constructor Scheme Mascot and the winning posters were displayed on our site hoarding.
We also partnered with the school in their fundraising to purchase 2 no. new cameras and our site team and head office collected food and toiletries which was donated to Highland Foodbank in December 2018. Furthermore 8 no. pupils of Inverness High School were given a site tour and career talk.
