RPA Group

News Archive

29 Sep 2008

University of Glamorgan HeSAS development project

Works have commenced on site on the University of Glamorgan's HeSAS development project, for which RPA have been appointed to undertake Project Management, Construction Cost Consultancy and CDM co-ordination services.

The scheme consists of new science laboratories along with the refurbishment of an existing grade 2 listed building at the former Coleg Morgannwg site and has a construction cost £6.9m.

The project comprises of the formation of a new access road and new build science laboratory with refurbishment of the existing classrooms at the Arts College to facilitate the relocation of the Health, Sport and Science facility from the Glantaff campus. The opening of the college is targeted to be October 2009. The project has been procured on a 2-stage tender design and build contract JCT 2005, following an OJEU selection process for both consultants and Contractor, the process of which, was managed by RPA on behalf of the University of Glamorgan.

29 Aug 2006

Tesco Refresh Programme

RPA have been appointed as cost managers and planning supervisors by Tesco Stores for the second consecutive year on their 5 year refresh programme. Our allocation is for seventy schemes throughout the UK, to a very demanding timescale. The schemes involve refitting and refurbishment works, and often include improvement and extensions. Contract values range from £500,000 to £4,000,000.

Our appointment encompasses the procurement of the works and we have just concluded the agreement of framework terms with thirteen contractors. All of the contractors are working to a common schedule of rates for the works, which were established through a process of competitive tenders and negotiation. The rates represent a year-on-year saving underpinned by a rigorous value management process.

RPA have two teams of surveyors working on the programme, based in Cardiff and Bristol, together with two surveyors based on a rotational basis in Tesco’s head office in Welwyn.

9 May 2006

New £30 Million RCT Schools PFI Project Nears Completion

The final phase of the new Schools and Life Long Learning Facility for Rhondda Cynon Taf at the Garth Olwg site in Church Village Pontypridd is on programme to be completed by August 2006. The £30 million PFI project design by Cardiff based architects Austin Smith Lord has been constructed in 2 phases by Norwest Holst Construction Ltd over a 2.5 year period. Phase 1 comprises a new Primary School for 305 pupils and a Day Care Nursery. Phase 2 will comprise a new Secondary School for 1250 pupils, grass and all weather sports pitches and a Life-Long Learning Facility. The project also includes new facilities for the local community comprising a Youth Centre and sport changing facilities, a rugby pitch and new allotments.

Phase 1 of the project was successfully completed and handed over to RCT in October 2005. The Primary School and Day Care Nursery comprise single storey buildings set out in a horse shoe configuration encompassing external play areas. The Secondary School and Life Long Learning Centre is accommodated in five separate 3-storey buildings which have staggered juxtapositions to follow the natural topography of the site. Traditional design and construction methods have been used for all aspects of the project.

RPA are employed by the PFI SPC (Barclays Equity) and have been involved from the initial pre-qualification stages of the project to provide Employers Agent & Planning Supervisor services. RPA have also provided Bank Due Diligence and cost advisory services to the SPC during the bidding and financial close stages of the project.