ELLESMERE WHARF RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT

Scope of works

McPhillips Residential were appointed as a JCT 2016 design and build contractor by Cornovii Developments to develop 23 plots for mixed tenure on a brownfield site in Ellesmere.

The plots included a combination of 3 and 4 bedroom houses and bungalows. These dwellings would fulfil affordable, saleable, mixed use and housing association requirements. All homes were a timber frame construction and had to be sympathetic in design to existing homes within the surrounding area.

Site works included:
Remediation, ecological and construction management plans
Building of roads and footpaths
Provide services to each plot
Design and build of drainage system
Landscaping

Design specifications included:
Roof integrated solar PV panels
Electric car chargers
Multiple specifications of kitchens, bathrooms and lighting
Sound and thermal insulation
Composite cladding for energy efficiency
Permeable block paved driveways

Challenges

The site had been neglected for several years and provided immediate challenges in relation to underlying water, service diversions and drainage.

High water table due to close proximity to Shropshire Union Canal
Poor ground conditions due to water level and previous use
HV electrical cable running through several of the assigned plots
Existing services running through the site
Site in a confined area bordered by a supermarket, existing properties, canal and greenbelt
Noise and ground vibration

Solutions

Close liaison between our client, third parties and the McPhillips team of directors, commercial team, site management team and direct workforce, enabled quick solutions to be found and implemented.

Crates were installed within open areas for attenuation purposes
Stormwater sewer acted as attenuation prior to discharge into existing brook course
Removal of asbestos by licenced contractors and radon gas membranes installed
Reduced level earthworks to provide clean cover to the site
Friction piles installed to facilitate ground movement
Concrete ground beams constructed on top of friction piles
HV electrical cable diverted by Scottish Power
New services introduced for gas, water, electricity and BT data
Noise and vibration monitoring system installed for duration of the project

Result

Early engagement by McPhillips helped Cornovii Developments to realise their ambition to regenerate disused land in Ellesmere build 23 high quality homes.

A tailored solution that met our clients’ individual needs
Built to LAVC control and local building regulation inspection standards
Infrastructure built to Approved Shropshire Highways standards and Severn Trent Water requirements
Considered designs well received by local community
Signed off by the Cornovii Developments with no snags

Verdict

“Our objective was to build top quality homes in Ellesmere that people will be proud to live in. The standard of build, finishings and fittings is something we ourselves should be justly proud of. McPhillips Residential offers a unique design and build solution to small and medium sized developers, I’m looking forward to our next collaboration.”
Stuart Mackenzie – Contracts Director

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Testimonials

"The site manager and assistant site manger did a fantastic job on the scheme, they were friendly, reliable, professional and their experience on managing the subcontract labour and technical ability was second to none."

Ian Lowe, BIT Group

"McPhillips (Wellington) Ltd undertook the construction of a recent public realm scheme in Shrewsbury, they provided traffic and pedestrian management to manage the construction of the scheme in a busy urban area, with high pedestrian footfall. All civils and re-paving works were completed to a high standard and in a tidy, productive and efficient manner. They were able to engage with Shrewsbury BID to aid in the planning of events, as well as liaising with local businesses and shops to minimise impact. They worked effectively and efficiently to complete works to the accepted programme and administered the contract well using web based management systems. There were good working relationships between all parties, and their on-site management of personnel was excellent."

Scott Hughes, WSP

"McPhillips were good to work with and they were always keen to resolve any issues or complications which obviously occur on such a large and complex project, probably the biggest S278 Worcestershire has ever dealt with."

Sally Everest, Worcestershire County Council

"Having been the first time we have used McPhillips as a main contractor we have been impressed at the ease at which we have developed a good working relationship to enable the project to be maintained to timeline and budget incorporating both additional work items and some more unusual occurrences on-site."

Richard Allen, London & Cambridge Properties

"We will most certainly use McPhillips again and we will have no hesitation in recommending you to other schools and colleges."

Sheena Hodgson, The Westwood Academy

"The site delivery team were extremely helpful. The site was clearly always orderly, fully resourced and well managed throughout. The workmanship was of the highest quality and the project was delivered on-time and within budget providing The Wrekin Housing Trust with a facility of which we are justifiably proud. Overall WHT is more than happy with McPhillips’ performance on Oakwood and wouldn’t hesitate to work with them again in the future."

Karen Lloyd, The Wrekin Housing Trust

"I will have no hesitation in employing McPhillips on other projects and therefore look forward to working with you again; it was a pleasure working with you and your team, demonstrating a positive approach throughout the project."

Mike Steele, Birmingham City Council

"The quality of the work provided is always of a high standard and every effort is made to accommodate the needs of businesses and residents impacted by the work. With regard to project management, I found the management team and site staff to be amenable at all times. I would highly recommend McPhillips to be considered for any highway regeneration projects or similar works."

Steve Hollins, Telford & Wrekin Council

"McPhillips carried out work for Adams’ Grammar School between May and September 2013. They did so under some stringent conditions imposed by the school and performed admirably to meet significant deadlines. Their work on site was also very impressive; their site manager was most professional and worked seamlessly with our own employee when there needed to be alterations/modifications. They worked very easily around children and kept an appropriate distance from our own work. When it came closer to the deadlines they produced work at an impressive speed in order that we were able to open on time. We will certainly use them again."

Michael Barrett, Adams' Grammar School

"I can truly say that I could not wish to have worked in conjunction with a more impressive and agreeable contractor than McPhillips. Many thanks for the experience."

Peter Oughton, Dogs Trust

"We’re delighted with the work carried out by McPhillips. Thanks to their excellent building and civil engineering experience and skills we’ve been able to create an enriched environment for our dogs."

Clarissa Baldwin OBE, Dogs Trust

"We have no hesitation recommending McPhillips and look forward to the opportunity of working with them in the future."

Pam Edwards, The Wrekin Housing Trust

"McPhillips and their team were professional and efficient from tender stage through to contract completion, with a can do attitude that brought the scheme in on time and on budget within tight constraints."

Bob Nicholson, Pochin Developments

"Everyone has commented favourably on the quality of workmanship and the professional, courteous and organised approach of the men involved. As a consequence, the work was completed to a very high standard, in a very short time with the minimum of noise and disruption to residents."

Diane Peacock, Pengrove Residents Association

"McPhillips performed extremely well with a high quality of workmanship and a professional approach in dealing with the public and businesses in a very busy part of the town. I can confidently recommend McPhillips as a competent and professional contractor and since this scheme, I have worked with them on various projects and would be pleased to work with them again in the future."

Karl Farrow, Cheshire West & Chester Council

"I would have no hesitation in recommending McPhillips."

Paul Harris, Shropshire Council

"The team from McPhillips remained positive and proactive throughout, working with the Council's team to find solutions and deliver an enabled site which was fit for purpose. Their can-do attitude and pragmatic approach has been essential in delivering a successful project for the Council."

Kate Turner, Telford and Wrekin Council

"McPhillips has an excellent understanding of the client's needs and works collaboratively to achieve a quality product."

Peter Parker, Birmingham City Council