Over £20,000 in savings secured for construction consultancy

Background

Gardiner & Theobald is a leading independent partner-based construction and property consultancy, established in the UK and operating globally. Since their founding, they have provided expert cost management, project management and advisory services, supporting clients across a wide range of sectors to deliver complex projects.

In 2024, G&T reached out to Connectus Utilities and was appointed mid-way through the project as the Utilities Consultant for a major construction project on behalf of The July Group (formerly CityID). The scheme involved the development of a 114-bedroom aparthotel, located in a prime Westminster location on Vauxhall Bridge Road, close to Victoria Coach Station.

The £28 million development would replace an existing office block and is striving for a BREEAM sustainable building certification. Given the scale and complexity of the project, a range of utility solutions were required at different stages of construction to ensure continuity of essential services. G&T reached out to Connectus to resolve several utilities-related challenges associated with the project.

Challenges

The project involved demolishing several existing buildings, to then build the new hotel. This required the disconnection of multiple utility supplies and the installation of new utility connections to the new aparthotel.  With the development already at an advanced stage when Connectus was appointed, time was of the essence to achieve the programme handover.

The site was located on a red route, meaning vehicle traffic stopping was not permitted without several levels of approval, which caused additional logistical and planning challenges.

The work also required; excavating and laying high-voltage cable 100m along Vauxhall Bridge Road, installation of a high-voltage (HV) substation, the removal of an electrical temporary builder’s supply, and the provision of a new water connection in a very busy footpath with a gantry and scaffolding to navigate around.

Solution

Connectus took full ownership of the utilities strategy, managing the complex legal process required to establish the iDNO adoption and lease agreement for the high-voltage (HV) substation. We successfully managed and expedited this process to enable the electricity connection to be delivered and energised within target timeframes.

In addition, Traffic Management Permits were required for the utility works to proceed in the red-route area. Connectus worked with Transport for London (TfL), Westminster Council and the Independent Connection Provider (ICP) to secure approvals so on-site works could proceed without delay.

Outcomes

The new Thames Water quote had been paid prior to Connectus Utilities being appointed, and at the point planning permission was granted. However, the quote needed refreshing before works were scheduled with Thames Water. Connectus Utilities also discovered the Thames Water design drawings needed to be updated, leaving the client at a financial and time pressing disadvantage.

Connectus challenged this with Thames Water, who advised that a revised quotation would have to be settled, due to updated costs for water rates. To try offset any increase in the revised Thames Water quote. Connectus Utilities applied for infrastructure credits for the old/existing water supplies billed within the previous five years, securing a cost reduction of over £18,000 for the client on the Thames Water quotation.

In addition, Connectus identified a further saving of £3,500 on the electricity connection by closely reviewing the proposed scope without compromising the delivery.