Early engagement key to delivery of modern Canary Wharf base

Overbury delivered a modern space for an incoming government tenant focussing on early client engagement and social value initiatives.

Project partners

  • 5Plus Architects
  • AECOM
  • Hoare Lea

Project description

Working with the Government Property Agency (GPA), we delivered a new space in Canary Wharf featuring new meeting rooms, collaboration areas, communication rooms, a media suite and refreshment hubs. We also completed a full strip out of the previous offices, meeting rooms, kitchens and libraries.

Early engagement

Essential to the project's success was early engagement with all of the projects stakeholders. We communicated with the incoming government tenant throughout the project, allowing them to make changes to power, data and floor layouts. Working closely with subcontractors, we organised 24-hour works and careful programme management, which was key to the project completing on time. We liaised with Building and Facility Managers daily to avoid disruption to the other occupied floors in the live government building.

Seeing is believing

Through the set up of a “value hub”, we were able to showcase samples of all the approved finishes for the project, giving the client a hands-on feel from the start. As the project progressed, we created a benchmark room and using a temporary power supply, all the light finishes were displayed in their intended locations, giving the team a clear vision of the final result and helping to identify any necessary adjustments or improvements.

Delivering locally

We carried out several social value initiatives throughout the project including a volunteering day at Mudchute Farm - one of the largest inner city farms in Europe. Back on site, mental health signage in multiple languages was put up. We engaged with the Construction Youth Trust and hosted a Overbury 'Foundationers' day where prospective foundation programme candidates visited site to learn about the project teams careers and take part in a project tour.

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