Swallow Park Travellers Site
- Client:
- Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames
- Consultant:
- The Keegans Group
- Value:
- £2,247,716
- Form of Contract:
- JCT Standard Building Contract with quants 2005
- Procurement Method:
- Single Stage Competitive Tender
Overview
Thomas Sinden were appointed as Principal Contractor to undertake the redevelopment of an existing traveller site, to allow each site to have individual access to amenity blocks each built to a high standard in both quality and durability. The construction works are as follows:
- Reconfiguration of existing site and new concrete pitch bases
- Demolition of existing amenity blocks
- Erection of 10 new amenity blocks
- Provide new fire separating walls between pitches
- Upgrade or renew existing underground services to provide individual gas electric and water meters to each pitch
- Renewal of the sites underground drainage
- Erection of new brick wall to the perimeter boundary
- Erection to front of pitches new fencing and gates
- Landscaping works
Challenges
This scheme involved the demolition of existing amenity blocks and major reconfiguration of the site and services, whilst the traveller community remained in occupation. Our resident liaison procedures and approach in dealing with this community led to the success of this scheme.
Sustainability Initiatives
The amenity blocks have Sedum roofs together with surface water collection and recycling. All blocks have environmental energy efficient Band “A” heating and hot water systems. All designs meet current Communities and Local Government Standards.
Testimonials
I have been working with Thomas Sinden Ltd, since the start of the Swallow Park Gypsy & Traveller project in November 2010. The Traveller community are very wary of allowing strangers into their midst.
It has not been an easy task gaining the trust of the residents on site, but Thomas Sinden has managed to successfully do so. I would also put this down to the site manager’s easy manner, and the respect that the team as a whole has shown to each person on site.
Grace Slade
Senior Estate Manager for Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames