Planning for work in live environments

Northrop has over 25 years’ experience working in live environments – a scenario common in projects involving upgrades to such facilities as Clubs, Pubs, Retail, and Hospitals. Among the many complexities and details to consider are the following:  

  • Early planning (including appointment of Builder) and agreement among stakeholders is crucial.
  • Review documentation and understand current operations – essential services, required access areas and loading zones.
  • Safety is paramount.  Collaborate with Project Manager and Builder regarding workcover laws, onsite safety, materials handling, construction access, carnage, etc.
  • Have a Road Map. Agree on construction methodology and works staging – securing buy-in from all stakeholders.
  • Consider emergencies and have plans for fire egress and evacuation procedures.
  • Plan for location of temporary hoardings and construction zone.
  • A Building Services Strategy ensures that essential services are maintained and impact to occupants is limited.
  • Prepare for latent conditions – the unexpected.  Identifying red flags and unknown areas, making allowances early, being responsive, and planning can avoid slowing down the project.
  • Look for opportunities to accelerate the program through value engineering, to save time and money.
  • Discuss longer term aspirations – planning and building residual capacity can mean less disruption to the live environment next time.
  • Build in flexibility. Clubs undergo alterations on a cycle – allowances and forward-planning make sense.

A successful project depends on all – engineer, architect, builder, and client.

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