Castlebay Ferry Terminal Refurbishment

Graham + Sibbald (G+S) were instructed to assist in the refurbishment of the Castlebay Ferry Terminal on the island of Barra. In its existing state, the building was divided into 3 separate sections, with the middle section being used as a Store. There was no internal access available between the 3 sections.The refurbishment involved redesigning the building to convert the existing central Store into the new Ticket Desk and Waiting Area, as well as providing new toilet accommodation throughout; a new external roof covering and external decoration.

Why G+S

Graham + Sibbald is one of the UK’s leading property consultancy services. Our success is built upon how we deliver our service; it is a unique combination of being both professional and personable.

Our Building Surveying team can help you maximise the value of your property and minimise your costs and liabilities. We work with a broad spectrum of clients, including leading names in the public and private sectors. We represent a wide spectrum of retained clients including Local Authorities, Inward Investors, Government Departments and Major Retailers.

Our in-house Architectural teams have widespread experience in both new build developments and in the refurbishment of all types of property. They provide a full range of design and related support services and will ensure that your project goes without a hitch and is delivered within budget.

Thanks to our expertise, experience and nationwide network of local offices we are able to deliver a professional, cost-effective service with a real personal touch. We place a high priority on expertise, good communications and building long-term client relationships based on trust.

Approach

The project was designed by our in-house Architectural Department in Glasgow, whilst our Building Surveying Department in Inverness provided the project management and contract administration services to completion.

Overall, Graham + Sibbald provided Architectural Design, Project Management and Contract Administration services, including obtaining all statutory consents and fulfilling Principal Designer duties; provision of budget costs for the project; co-ordination of external structural and mechanical and electrical consultants; the preparation of tender documentation including conditions of contract, tendering the project, advising on the appointment of a Principal Contractor and managing the process to completion.

Once the project commenced onsite, G+S kept in regular contact with the Client, Contractor and External Consultants by way of a Teams call every fortnight. In addition to these meetings G+S visited the site to carry out progress checks.

Key Challenges

The location of the building and the fact that the project was primarily carried out over the winter months proved to be the biggest challenge on this project. At times poor weather conditions resulted in ferry cancellations, which had an impact on sub-contractors and materials getting to site.

The ferry terminal remained operational which at times had its challenges, however the team completed the project in phases and worked closely with the local staff to ensure that minimal disruption was caused to them and their customers, whilst also ensuring that health and safety was not comprised at any stage.

Results

The project was completed within the accepted contract sum; however, it did slightly exceed the original completion date, primarily due to weather conditions impacting on the delivery of materials to site.

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"Throughout the Castlebay Ferry Terminal refurbishment, G&S dealt with any issues or variations promptly and kept a tight control of the costs during the construction phase which meant that the project finished within budget, despite the slight delay to the overall construction programme. This project had his complexities given the remote location and winter weather but both G&S alongside our contractor AGM Interiors, delivered a refurbished building with much improved facilities for both staff and ferry passengers. CMAL have worked with G&S for over 10 years and they continue to provide outstanding client care” Andy Jones, Buildings and Property Technical Manager, CMAL