Following the successful completion of the new government hub building at Central Square, Cardiff in October 2019, the keys were handed over to the Secretary of State for Wales, Simon Hart last week.
The facility was designed by architect Gensler and constructed by Sir Robert McAlpine for client Rightacres Property to house a regional Government hub centre which will house staff from a number of UK government departments in Wales and will also have capacity to host full UK Cabinet meetings. HMRC is the largest occupier and the hub will be its regional centre and bring around 3,600 of its staff to Central Square.
Clare Gallagher, Project Manager, Sir Robert McAlpine commented:
We are delighted to have handed over the completed project two weeks ahead of programme. The project success is largely down to a hugely collaborative effort from the entire team including our supply chain, many of whom were engaged early in the design process. The support of Cardiff CC and engagement with our neighbours at the Principality Stadium enabled construction of the façade to take place only 1.5m from the stadium mast without impact on the stadium or any of the events held there.
Penny Ciniewicz, HMRC director general for customer compliance in HMRC, said:
"This is a significant milestone for HMRC, which will bring together more than 3,600 colleagues into Central Square. The department has a large and long-established presence in Wales and the new regional centre in Cardiff demonstrates our commitment to Wales and its economy."
Tom Roberts, head of strategic investment at LGIM Real Assets, added:
"The delivery of the new government hub on time and to such a high standard is testament to the collaborative approach adopted on this successful development. The new government hub is a wonderful example of a modern fit-for-purpose building that is surrounded by excellent amenities and infrastructure. We are excited to see it come to life later this year with employees as Cardiff Central Square enters its final stages of development."
As we were involved from conception, we were able to influence the design from an early stage and direct the design team regarding cost effective solutions that could be achieved within the client’s budget. Decisions such as our preference for a slip formed core and structural steel frame were made at an early stage. Several façade solutions were investigated with the most cost-effective solution being a combination of precast panels and curtain walling.
The development achieved an excellent BREAAM score due to air-tightness and energy performance certificate. In addition, a high degree of recycling by local waste contractor contributed to a 99.9% diversion from landfill. A Final Considerate Contractor score of 45 was achieved securing Certificate of Excellence.
Taking in the views of the city of Cardiff, our Central Square project has contributed to local regeneration and economy through employing 72% local workforce and 77% local spend. Early engagement with our supply chain partners assisted in identifying opportunities to engage with local suppliers and employ local apprentices who undertook site-based training.
Green light given for the delivery of the Springfield University Hospital development with Springfield and Tolworth Estate Partnership (STEP), a 50/50 partnership between Sir Robert McAlpine Capital Ventures Ltd and Kajima Partnerships.
We are celebrating success after picking up the prestigious Society of Façade Engineering (SFE), Façade 2019, Project of the Year Award 2019 for our project, Bloomberg.
