Projects Health & Care

St Helens House, Ipswich, Suffolk

Construction of a new extension at St Helens House, Ipswich, Suffolk, to house the new audiology and observation unit with specialist audiology fitting out works including internal refurbishment and external works. The work was carried out with incredibly restrictive access in a live hospital site, which was made even more difficult due to the extra restrictions that were brought in to cope with the Covid 19 pandemic. The site remained open throughout the pandemic and the contract was completed on programme.

Sector: Health & Care
Location: Ipswich, Suffolk
Client: West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust
Employer‘s Agent: Castons Quantity Surveyor
Architect: KLH Architects
Structural Engineers: MLM Group
Mechanical & Electrical Services Engineer: Johns Slater and Haward
Commenced: January 2020
Completed: July 2020
Procurement Method: Single Stage Tender
Contract Value: £330,000

“The team working on St Helens house worked hard to deliver a project in challenging times. Despite the challenges of COVID-19 Gipping continued with these essential works with minimal delays. Delivering a quality product. Despite the challenges COVID-19 presented I am satisfied that the works were carried out in a safe manor for both the Gipping and the building occupiers. Overall very satisfied.”

Luke Goldfinch, West Suffolk Hospital NHS Foundation Trust

Challenges and Constraints

Working safely and efficiently within a live healthcare environment without causing disruption.
Working within COVID restrictions but progress was maintained as NHS work as priority..
Discovery of unforeseen asbestos.
Adjoining NHS buildings and housing
Live services
Pedestrian traffic across site entrance.

Construction Processes and Methods

Audiology extension: Trenchfill foundations, masonry substructure, PCC oversite, timber frame superstructure, flat roof covering, specialist audiology wall and ceiling lining system, MEP works, new ramped access, diversion and alteration or below ground services.

Internal refurbishment of ancillary rooms at abutment to extension.

Environmental

As responsible contractors who are ISO14001 accredited, we completed environmental risk assessments, minimised waste and any waste was disposed of using licensed companies. Waste was sorted at the collection depot. Typically, 90% of waste is recycled.

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What Our Clients Say

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“Peter was outstanding when it came to communications and implementing changes and fixes that were required by the building work supplier. Very happy to recommend Gipping's services to others.”

Oliver Squirrell, Old Jet Airspace Programme
“I just wanted to thank you again for pretty much everything! I absolutely love our home and it was totally worth the wait. There isn’t a single thing I’d change, it really is perfect. The landscapers have been now too and it’s totally transformed the outside space, it just looks incredible. I feel super lucky to live here, every time I pull up back home I smile and feel so grateful and lucky. All the workmen have been incredibly lovely and gone above and beyond too, you have such a great team of people, they are extremely lovely and that makes a huge difference. I wish you well in all that you do creating beautiful homes for people. Thank you so so much.”

Kayleigh Williams: Wix
“As a team, Gipping met every expectation throughout the project. Steve James provided the exact role and attitude required for a project of this nature. The way he managed the works on site, given the difficult “live” environment was a credit to the firm. The overall management and support for Steve from Steve Offord and Joe was also a large factor in the smooth running of the scheme. All involved should be commended and are a credit to Gipping. Thank you for your part in a very successful scheme.”

Ben Mitchell, The Design partnership: Walden Place
“Carl, and the team, were fantastic during this phase of the project. Carl kept us updated with how the work was going and always had time to check with us if he thought things would impact on the running of the school. The site was always clean and tidy. The project was delivered slightly ahead of schedule, which made the transition into the build much easier for us! Thank you!”

Hannah Brookman, Tollgate Primary School Phase I
“It was a pleasure working with Gipping and we are very happy with our new home. Shaun Whiting was an exceptional Site Manager and remained professional, approachable and friendly throughout the entire build. The site was always tidy, well-managed and busy. We felt as if the entire Gipping team took our project seriously and truly cared about getting the build right. I would highly recommend you to anyone who is considering building a home.”

Elizabeth Goodrich, Amento