Barratt Homes engaged Rund as Employer’s Agent on a new build residential project located on the grounds of a historic hospital in Southampton.
Project Background
The hospital first opened in 1848 as Stoneham Union Workhouse, later becoming Moorgreen Hospital in 1948. Its grounds were transferred from the National Health Service to the Homes and Community Agency in April 2014, with its empty buildings and vacant land placing unnecessary strain on NHS funding.
The redevelopment project, known as The Pavilions, involved the new build development of 121 residential units, with a third of homes affordable. The hospital building itself was retained, refurbished, and converted into 17 new apartments.
A key element to the project was preserving the hospital’s rich Victorian heritage with a sensitive refurbishment, as its external façade was particularly precious. Our extensive experience working on multiple refurbishment projects for heritage sites gave Barratt Homes assurance that the works would be carried out to the highest quality standards.
The Solution
Our role in the refurbishment involved detailed contract administration, where we assisted in engaging a proficient contractor to carry out the works safely and in line with specifications and contractual obligations.
For the new build elements, we also helped the client overcome challenges around obtaining building warranty, as specifications from the National House-Building Council (NHBC) changed during the build process. This meant the new build structural timber members had to be removed later down the line, posing financial and time delay issues. We liaised frequently with the NHBC to ensure all up to date specifications were met and warranty was granted.
