Projects Art & Culture

NW2 Community Space, Theatre Square, Ipswich

Construction of the new NW2 Community Space, managed by New Wolsey Theatre. The building is constructed adjacent to the main theatre on the roof of the spiral car park in Theatre Square.

A lightweight timber framed structure clad in gold coloured roof sheeting and black rubber cladding sets off the building while to the front, a raised podium with canopy provides covered outside space. The historic water fountain ‘bowl’ has been refurbished to provide outside activity space along with feature lighting installed into the car park exhaust vent.

Sector: Art & Culture
Location: Ipswich, Suffolk
Client: Charter House Investments
End User: New Wolsey Theatre
Architect: Waind Gohil & Potter Architects
Quantity Surveyor: Daniel Connal Partnership
Commenced: September 2019
Completed: October 2020
Procurement Method: Single Stage Tender, Drawings & Specification with Value Engineering
Contract Value: £1,450,000

“We have welcomed working with local contractor Gipping on both NW2 and the ongoing NWT project. We have appreciated the fact that Gipping have felt like an active collaborator on the project. They have respected and engaged with our values and our business, responding quickly and effectively when we have made requests, comments or raised issues. The quality of the workmanship has to date been excellent – and this has been recognised by both ourselves and the project architect. We recognise that our project is ‘unusual’ – not only the complexity of there being a client and an end user, but also that the client is a theatre with its own unique needs and challenges. Gipping have risen to this challenge throughout the project, and have shown their commitment to us and the project in numerous different ways. Challenges and issues have been dealt with effectively and cordially, never resulting in a long term impact on the overall relationship. We would happily recommend them as a contractor.”

Matt Linley, The Wolsey Theatre

Challenges and Constraints

The works were carried out on an underground car park roof with a limited point load weight distribution. The area around the NW2 site was constantly trafficked by pedestrians. Access to the underground car park had to be maintained at all times.

The roof cassettes were lifted on to the roof via a large crane which had to be strategically located so as not to contravene the weight limit on the existing roof.

Construction Processes and Methods

A cast in-situ reinforced ground beam formed the foundation. The superstructure was timber frame with the panels manufactured off-site.
The external walls were clad with a flexible liner.
The roof finish was Kalzip and finished in gold.
The front of the building mainly consisted of curtain walling and due to the shape of the building, it was very complicated to design and build.

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.

Awards

Ipswich Society Annual Awards, 2021 – Commendation

Recent Projects

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
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Hannah Brookman, Tollgate Primary School Phase I
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Elizabeth Goodrich, Amento