Supermarket sweep for RBC
17th June 2011
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A MULTI-MILLION pound new-build supermarket benefited from early consultation and the cost-saving expertise of an Approved Building Control Inspector.
Regional Building Control (RBC) – a leading UK Building Control expert – has helped create an £8.5m new-build retail project for Morrisons in Minehead, Somerset.
RBC worked with the main contractor, Longcross Construction, and Leeds architects Bowman Riley to help transform a former BMX track and car park into a 2,160 m2 new store.
Steve Moore, Building Control Surveyor for RBC, says: “Supermarket operators are obviously concerned about reducing initial build costs and are also committed to sustainable practices. Early collaboration with a Building Control Inspector like RBC helps achieve savings and sustainability targets.
“By collaborating with the project team at the planning appraisal stage, RBC can identify potential issues and seek cost effective building engineer solutions, which saves time and money for everyone concerned.”
Store design and stock in supermarkets mean that fire strategy and public safety is paramount. RBC played a major role in negotiating with the local Fire Authority to gain certification for the supermarket’s bespoke fire strategy.
The design excluded unnecessary sprinkler coverage to the warehouse area and fire detection to the ceiling void areas. In consultation with all parties, RBC recommended that the compartment size of the warehouse be limited to below 2,000m² and that sprinklers be installed to the void area to meet Building Control requirements.
Due to the compartment size of the warehouse sprinklers were not required, but the in-store sprinkler system was extended into the ceiling void to remove the need for automatic fire detection within the void.
Environmentally sustainable building design is central to Morrisons’ policy and the project was set a minimum target of a BREEAM ‘Very Good’ rating.
The superstore development was about 3,200 sq m plus a 260-space car parking and petrol station. The store consisted of a food hall, warehouse, customer café and staff facilities to the first floor. The project ran for 27 weeks and included demolition, highways, drainage and levelling of the site prior to construction.
RBC is approved by the Government to carry out the full functions of Building Control as a Corporate Approved Inspector (CAI), as defined in the Building Act 1984.
It is an independent and proactive company, aiming to collaborate with design and construction teams to ensure the needs of the client and the Building Regulations are met effectively and efficiently.
For more information go to www.rbcltd.co.uk or call 01992 653 900.
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