PROJECT OVERVIEW

We were part of the team who delivered Phase 2 of the ‘Vision Tameside’ master plan, transforming Ashton-under-Lyne Town Centre. Our role included undertaking the Building Services Engineering design and Utilities Infrastructure consultancy. We also assisted Tameside Council to develop their environmental services strategy to help meet their green objectives for the building.

The Tameside One development includes a new Advanced Skills Centre for Tameside College alongside a new Joint Service Centre for the Council and others partners. The 7,000sqm Advanced Skills Centre provides a new learning and skills centre for students studying vocational subjects.

The 6,000sqm Joint Service Centre incorporates a library, customer service centre, committee, training rooms and office accommodation. This phase of the development also included the development of a 2,150sq.m retail space.

Design team and project team meetings were held regularly throughout the development of the scheme to ensure that the final proposals met the expectations of all parties.

Halfway through construction the original contractor, Carillion, went into liquidation, bringing the project to a halt overnight. Robertson Construction entered into an Early Works Agreement with the council to get the project back on track.

With clear time and cost pressure, the project team worked together to quickly conclude retenders and establish a schedule that ran close to the original and mitigated cost exposure. Less than twelve months later, the team handed over Tameside One on time and on budget.

Following ongoing consultation with the various stakeholders, the project team addressed several design issues in the original proposal to ensure the building delivered on specific requirements. For example, the revised design maximised flexibility with raised access floors, demountable partitions and ceilings, and loose, lightweight furnishings allowing easier reconfiguration to suit future market trends and opportunities.

Tameside Council and the Advanced Skills Centre for Tameside College share the town centre building. The new location brings students and service users closer to good transport links; accessibility is further improved with council and partner services under the one roof; and the property itself is more energy efficient than Tameside Council’s previous administrative offices.

The library entrance creates a welcoming environment shared by all visitors; learning spaces are modern and user-focused for vocational courses; public services are located in the one area; retail outlet space will attract more footfall; seating and raised planters create an attractive outdoor public area.

Photos by Agent Marketing

Tameside One Complete