The new European Headquarters for American Express in Brighton provides 365,000 sqft of Grade A office building spread over nine floors. The scheme which has a construction value of £100 million incorporates a basement level and separate data centre. The project is one of a number of schemes for which Northcroft has provided cost management services on behalf of American Express (AMEX).
Collaboration with Design team
Northcroft’s policy of close engagement with the design team and use of benchmark data allowed Northcroft to focus minds on the commercial challenges and help guide the designers’ towards best value solutions for the client.
Value Engineering
Northcroft facilitated the design value engineering reviews to ensure unnecessary expenditure was removed from the final design requirements prior to engagement with the main contractors. One of these reviews was concerning the choice of structure. Various options were reviewed including tube in tube columns versus standard steel. Various buildability and benchmarking exercises were undertaken, and reports produced to make sure that the most appropriate option was designed whilst providing excellent value for money.
Effective Tender Process
Northcroft managed an extensive tender process to select the most appropriate main contractor supply chain using prequalification and two stage bidding techniques. This process fully demonstrated and captured the commercial effi ciencies through the appointment of the main contractor. Procuring one main contractor to carry out all works from demolition to CATB enabled effi ciencies by procurement of larger packages and reduced overheads.
Fully Identifying Client Requirements
Northcroft developed robust Employer’s Requirements documentation that protected AMEX, defined all obligations and ensured that all appropriate construction risks were transferred through the main contract. The Employer’s Requirements were developed with the whole the project team to ensure that risks perceived from all disciplines were captured. These risks were then either managed in the Employer’s Requirements or transferred to the main contractor.
Bespoke Client Reporting
Northcroft developed bespoke financial reporting to align with American Express financial and accounting requirements. A detailed and bespoke cost and plan report was built which provided AMEX with a reporting structure that aligned with AMEX’s headings and reporting structure. In addition the contract was split into two contracts with two employers.
Ongoing Risk Management
Northcroft facilitated the risk management process which provided a regular forum for risk mitigation and action planning throughout the design and construction stages. The risk register was reviewed monthly by the project team and client, a report was issued monthly with each risk allocated to a specific manager ensuring any problems identified were dealt with quickly
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