Key Project Details

NBM were appointed as Employer’s Agent and Quantity Surveyor by Wheatley Developments Scotland to support the delivery of a new build affordable housing development at Curries Yard, Locharbriggs. The project involved:

• Demolition and removal of existing structures on site
• Construction of 89 new build homes
• Associated landscaping works
• Coordination of design and cost management to align with the client’s budget
• Early contractor involvement to help inform delivery strategy and value engineering

Challenges

• Cost planning and managing tender pricing during a period of rampant inflation post-Covid.
• Complex logistical planning and liaison with Statutory Authorities due to the proximity of the site to the A701 carriageway.

Solutions & Approach

NBM contributed to the project by:

• Working with the project team to unlock planning approval for affordable housing on a key strategic site in the Heathhall area of Dumfries & Galloway.
• Working with the Design Team and Main Contractor to optimise the design and project costs to meet the Client's budget and coordinating with the Main Contractor to realise the full benefits of early contractor involvement.
• When tender costs came in above benchmark cost levels, NBM coordinated a value engineering exercise and assisted the client in obtaining Housing Assisted Grant through in-depth tender analysis and reporting.

NBM also monitored and reported cost updates throughout the construction stage.

Outcomes

A thorough pre contract design stage and early engagement with the appointed Main Contractor to establish an affordable cost base which was closely monitored and negotiated through to the point of Contract Award.

NBM’s input was critical throughout the process:

• Reviewing and updating budget costs against the Client’s brief
• Selection of form of contract to maximise flexibility and early Contractor involvement
• Contract value negotiation, establishing Value for Money and assisting the Client with their application for Housing Assisted Grant
• Reviewing and updating contract costs regularly to keep Client informed.

Early and thorough engagement with the Contractor enabled detailed planning of critical activities during the construction stage, this assisted in resolving issues arising on site and ultimately in the delivery of the project on time and within the Client's budget.

Client Feedback

The Client was extremely satisfied with the delivery of much needed affordable housing for the area. Jo Boaden CBE, Chair of Wheatley Homes South, noted:

“There is a high demand for affordable housing across Dumfries & Galloway. The commitment we've made to building 89 new energy-efficient homes here in Heathhall will go a long way to meeting that need".

 Adding, "our investment in Curries Yard and across the region is about far more than just bricks and mortar - it is about creating better homes and better lives for our tenants for today and generations to come".