The Junction Ltd - Cambridge Close Retail Park, Aylesbury
The Junction is a specialist retail park fund, owning five retail parks, one development site and one non-core industrial property. Their aim is to deliver a service that adds value to their tenants by creating safe, clean and well managed facilities.
Project Description:
The Cambridge Close Retail Park project involved the construction of approx 20,000 sq ft of mixed retail and luxury residential flats. Tenants included; Carphone Warehouse, Frankie and Benny's, Bathstore, KFC, and Subway. The project commenced in June 2006, with a site clearance operation and demolition of existing structures. Issues with widespread contamination resulted in delays on site. Concurrently the appointed contractor incurred financial difficulties and the contract was terminated at the end of July 2006. The scheme was re-tendered and Withey Contracts were appointed.
Works started in August 2006, with the construction of 'Section 1' comprising 3nr retail shells at ground floor level and residential accommodation at first floor level. Problems became apparent with the design and supply of incoming services and works by the statutory authorities. The retail units were handed over on 29/01/07, 7 weeks after contractual completion. The residential units were handed over on 11/05/07, 16 weeks after contractual completion.
'Section 2' saw the team overcome issues with the incoming Statutory Services and deliver the scheme successfully. A programme was developed in early October to achieve PC on the ground floor units for early January. Tenants now include KFC & Magnet.
We were also appointed as Client Representative under phase 2 of the works for the 45,000 sq ft new build shell and core fit- out for Wickes Building Supplies Ltd within the Cambridge Close Retail Park.
Key Challenges:
- Managing the grading and removal of widespread contamination on a live retail park.
- Phasing works to achieve handover dates in line with tenancy agreements.
- Sectional completion meant maintaining safe access to the residential block whilst fitting out retail units.
