Client: Confidential

Services: Project Management, Employers Agent & Contract Administration. 

Location: UK

Overview

Gleave Partnership was appointed to deliver end-to-end project management services for the development of a 10,000 sqm logistics and distribution facility in the UK. Acting as Employer’s Agent and project lead, our team coordinated the project from initial client brief through design, procurement, construction and final handover, successfully delivering a fully operational facility within an 18-month programme.

Key Project Elements

• Site investigations and environmental assessments
• Planning and design coordination
• Steel frame warehouse construction
• MEP installation and utilities
• Office accommodation and fit-out
• External works, drainage and landscaping
• Security infrastructure and access roads

Project Challenge

The project was delivered within a fast-paced programme, with a critical completion date required to support the client’s operational needs.

Midway through construction, a key subcontractor ceased trading, creating a significant risk to the project programme. Drawing on extensive delivery experience, Gleave worked closely with the Principal Contractor to rapidly re-sequence activities, identify alternative delivery options and source replacement resource. By removing the affected work package from the critical path and implementing a revised programme, the team maintained project momentum and avoided delays to the client’s operational launch date.

Gleave’s Role

• Overall ownership and management of the Town Planning Application and discharge of conditions.
• Management of the tender process, including contractor RFIs, proposal evaluation, tender reporting and recommendations on principal contractor appointment.
• Progress and Programme analysis and reporting through the construction stage on behalf of the client.
• Quality Assurance and Quality Control throughout the construction phase, supported by Gleave’s project delivery expertise, structured site inspections and reporting processes.
• Contract Administration including Practical Completion award, defects management and completion and handover of O&M information to the client representative.

Key Contributions

• Chairing of in-person and virtual design & progress meetings, including minuting of meetings on behalf of the client.
• Acted as the primary point of escalation for contractor queries and issues, reducing the volume of matters requiring direct client involvement by approximately 75%.
• Regular site attendance, monitoring and reporting to maintain programme performance and keep stakeholders informed of project progress.
• Regulation and Governance of Design and Construction detail to ensure no variance to the planning approved design or building control standards were breached.
• Project Risk Management and proactive intervention to resolve issues.

Project Impact

The project was successfully delivered on time and within the approved budget, despite the challenges encountered during construction. Through proactive project management, effective stakeholder coordination and decisive risk mitigation, Gleave ensured the programme remained on track and achieved all key client objectives.

Key project outcomes included:

• 10,000 sqm logistics facility successfully delivered
• Completed within an 18-month programme
• Zero programme delay despite the loss of a key subcontractor during construction
• Delivered within the approved budget
• Fully operational facility handed over to the client on completion
• Positive working relationships maintained between the client, contractor and design teams throughout the project lifecycle

The completed facility now provides modern logistics infrastructure designed to support operational efficiency, regional distribution requirements and future growth.

Related Services

• Planning & Design Management
• CDM Advisory

Ready to bring your vision to life? Contact Gleave Partnership to explore how we can support your next data centre project.