Project challenges
INNER CITY WORKING
Oxford city centre is notoriously bad for traffic, so planning had to be spot-on given the tight turnaround for a planned pre-Xmas opening and the many contractors working simultaneously on the project.
Solution: Darke & Taylor’s (D&T) broad resource base meant it was able to increase site hours at key points in the project to prevent bottlenecks.
DELIVERING THE ‘WOW!’ FACTOR
Westgate Oxford’s aim was to become a destination venue where people came not just to shop, but to relax. Therefore, the first impressions created by the car parks – those of safety, security and ease of usage – were all of vital importance.
Solution: Recessed LED lighting, number plate recognition, pay terminals and online connectivity to show the number of free spaces remaining – were all skills D&T had previously applied to other projects.
UNFORSEEN OBSTACLES
A building crane which had not figured on the original plans, took up most of the space in the service yard (the commercial backbone of the Westgate, where all the deliveries were to be brought in and processed).
Solution: Separate from the installation team, this ensures ‘four pairs of eyes’ on any job. The crane was not moving for the duration of the build, so D&T had to design a real-time 3D solution around its footprint; this involved crafting bespoke containment for the armoured cabling.
LARGE SITE
The site itself was over 70.000m2. Making the management of the works complicated, causing logistical problems.
Solution: D&T have a directly employed workforce and were therefore able to allocate numerous foreman and levels of management to different areas, so the project could be efficiently managed.
Gallery
“Darke & Taylor’s work on this project was absolutely first-class and undertaken at a pace that I only wish my direct labour force could also achieve. I therefore wish to pass on my sincere thanks to all of the team.”
Steve Lee, Production Manager, Crown House Technologies
