Stanhope

In line with our focus on developing best practice, during the development of MidCity Place we learnt from an industry renowned for the organisation and efficiency of its production processes.

We commissioned logistics consultants from the Jaguar car production line in Coventry to examine the processes used on construction sites and recommend areas for improvement.  The results were marked.  The building was delivered to shell and core in just 57 weeks - a build rate at double the speed of the industry average.  In addition, the outturn cost was 20 per cent lower than the market average for a building of this quality.

Initiatives implemented on the site included a rigorous approach to the supply of materials, requiring contractors to have a daily plan encompassing which equipment and materials they would need and when.  This cut the quantity of materials lying unused around the site, consequently reducing the amount of wasted and lost materials.  A coordinated site delivery method - eliminating common industry practice whereby each separate contractor is in charge of their own deliveries - reduced the material handling requirements and improved productivity by allowing site workers to concentrate on actually constructing the building.

The building itself is both flexible and efficient, with large uninterrupted floorplates around a large atrium.  Positive feedback from occupiers shows the building has improved staff interaction and, subsequently, productivity.