Brief
We were asked to provide the project management services required to deliver the new sports facilities at North Hertfordshire College (NHC).
These facilities include a multi-purpose sports hall, fitness gym, and 3G pitch. This project was necessary for meeting NHC’s future curriculum needs as well as improving the facilities for the community.
Key Info
Location:
Hitchin, Hertfordshire
Project Type:
Demolition + New Build
Client:
North Hertfordshire College
Contractor:
Galliford Try
Contract Type:
JCT Design and Build
Project Value:
£7.7 million
Project Completion:
September 2022
Disciplines:
Project Management
Imagery
Scope
Our Project Manager was involved from the early options appraisal stage onwards and their work included assisting with the procurement of consultants, value engineering (to ensure the client’s budget was met), supporting bids and funding.
We liaised with the client, contractor, and Quantity Surveyor to organise advanced payments which met the deadlines and made sure we secured the funding.
Strong stakeholder engagement was key to the success of this project. By working closely with the large number of stakeholders involved, we supported the client throughout and ensured quality was maintained. Our Project Manager worked collaboratively with the college and Cala Homes to overcome any issues proactively and allow the project to run smoothly.
The site was developed to enable level access to the new sports facilities, a new access road, landscaping and associated works (including new car parking provision). North Hertfordshire College remained in operation during the project. Care and consideration were taken to segregate the works and minimise any disruption. We also took into account the close proximity of neighbouring residential developments. To guarantee the works would be completed within the programme restraints we arranged regular progress meetings and monthly updates.
Testimonial
“The new North Hertfordshire College Sports Hub provides our students with industry standard and state-of-the-art facilities whilst studying at the College and gives them the best preparation for progressing to Higher Education and entering a career within the Sport, Fitness, and Exercise Science industry. The project has been a great example of collaborative working, both in the process of bringing the vision to reality and by providing a space for local community groups to benefit from as well. We are extremely proud of our facilities and the ongoing opportunities it provides for future generations”
Kit Davies, Principal of North Hertfordshire College and CEO of the Hart Learning Group
Result
Students at NHC have been enjoying using the modern equipment and latest innovations which are helping to prepare them for their future careers.
Local teams and organisations (including Hitchin Town Youth FC and Stevenage FC Foundation) are also benefitting from hiring the new facilities for their events and matches. In addition to improving the leisure services available to the community, the out of hours use of these facilities offers another income source for the college.