Project Description
A provident approach was considered key to the success of the building and service delivery. McAleer & Rushe engaged in design development workshops with the both the Design Team and the Consortium’s Facilities Managers whose responsibility extended to the ongoing operation, care and maintenance of the completed project facility.
The close co-operation between the Design, Construction and Facilities Management teams provided critical input into the design of the facility which impacted significantly across a depth and range of issues through to close co- ordination on the internal environment, which was chosen to ensure the best life cycle costs and quality. In keeping with the requirements of Invest Northern Ireland, the energy-efficient building services and fabric were designed as part of an integrated approach to deliver an environmentally-friendly working environment that has achieved a BREEAM rating of VERY GOOD.
Design Intent
The Invest Northern Ireland Headquarters is an award-winning city landmark of high design content delivered through a Public Private Partnership as one of the Strategic Investment Board’s early ‘priority projects’ under the Government’s Reinvestment and Reform Initiative. With a modern design and efficient workplace specification the building offers a firm benchmark for all future Government office accommodation projects.
Providing accommodation for 600 staff, the Invest Northern Ireland building occupies the lower 8 floors of a 12 storey development that forms the first phase of Bedford Square, a contemporary urban square for Belfast.
Challenges
A main preconstruction challenge was the programme. McAleer & Rushe responded to Invest Northern Ireland’s strategic focus on innovation and creativity with a strong, positive and progressive image for its new headquarters facility to achieve its core objective of securing higher levels of innovation and enterprise in the Northern Ireland business community. The remarkable timescale in which this project was delivered reflects the Design and Build ethos of innovation in design and construction where consistent application of management experience and value engineering skills ensured best value for money for the client and strict adherence to the agreed programme from design consultants and supply chain sub-contracting teams.