Yorkshire company benefits from London 2012 contract to deliver HQ for staff

24/06/2009

The urban regeneration taking place in East London, in time for the London 2012 Olympics and Paralympics has brought with it growing temporary housing requirements for those staff involved in the ongoing works.

York based Portakabin was successful in the tender process, to deliver the main project delivery office for 400 staff working onsite. This office includes a medical centre, security offices and an introduction and training centre.

The challenge for Portakabin was to provide a building, within eight weeks, which could house staff in time for their relocation from offices in Canary Wharf. The building Portakabin provided ensured an executive quality working space, fully-fitted with the latest technology.

Portakabin constructed a three-storey workspace, providing 1190m2 of floor area per storey. The offices are now fully-equipped with a lift, access ramps and steps, furniture and carpets, air-conditioning, IT equipment and bespoke toilets and shower facilities installed within the building. Portakabin also installed security and alarm systems and the building is equipped with a secure swipe card entry system for employees.

The use of sustainable methods of construction was also of vital importance in addressing the challenge of climate change through minimising the carbon emissions associated with the development.

Portakabin has reduced their carbon emissions through a carefully planned environmental management system and a sustainable product development programme. Off-site modular construction also uses 67% less energy to produce a modular building compared to an equivalent, traditionally built project  with less waste and ozone-friendly materials.

Portakabin also used recycled carpet tiles in the HQ, dual-flush toilets and waterless air flush urinals to minimise water use. Motion sensors have also been included as part of the lighting design to reduce the amount of energy consumed. 

Mike Williams, General Manager of Portakabin Hire Division comments “The staff are delighted with the excellent quality of the HQ. The interior is of the same standard that they have been used to in Canary Wharf with well-designed furniture and high-quality carpets. The air-conditioning system maintains a productive working temperature and they have a range of well-planned IT rooms, meeting and training rooms, communication centres and spacious open-plan offices.

“Gaining this contract is great for our business and we are delighted to be one of the companies benefiting from the Games coming to London in 2012 “

Work has begun on the second three-storey building –The Command Control office - which will house a medical centre, Security & Logistics offices. Portakabin will also be delivering a further four buildings over the next six months.

Jim Farmery, Assistant Director of Business for Yorkshire Forward comments: “It’s great to see one of our region’s companies successfully gaining contracts for London 2012. This is just one many opportunities available and businesses can access these through Competefor.com, the chosen site of London 2012 for the publication of Games-related contract opportunities, and by doing so, put their services in front of a worldwide audience.”

ENDS