Noctorum Estate Central Heating Installation

Following the ongoing success of previous partnering projects Emcor Drake and Scull contractors entered into a partnering arrangement with open book arrangements, for the implementation of gas central heating installations to approximately 504 post-war houses on the Noctorum Estate.

The procurement method proposed would ensure the delivery of a high quality, cost effective scheme for an Agreed Maximum price along Best Value/ Egan principles.

From the Contractor delivering the Authority's service direct to its customers, the Authority expected a high quality product; to this end, the Contractor was fully involved in all aspects of the programme including design details, tenants consultation and liaison, shared problem solving, continuous improvement, the logistics of running the programme on site, health and safety, supply chain issues and financial planning.

WMBC’s approach was to identify a partner and to procure the delivery team using the principles of the Egan and Latham. A 60/40-quality/price contractor selection criteria was further supported by presentation submissions by the proposed partnering team to WMBC and tenant representatives. Using this innovative approach ensured WMBC worked with the right people first time.

Tenant involvement was crucial throughout project, from design stage, contractor selection, choice of products and monitoring quality of work on site, achieved through tenant representative’s membership of partnering core group, attendance at site meetings, together with regular public meetings for tenants. Involving residents of the Noctorum showed WMBC did listen to their customers not just pay them ‘lip service’, tenant involvement was vital to success of project.

Using the partnership process the team’s key aim was to drive cost effectiveness, high quality workmanship and products with improved sustainability. A condensing boiler and high recovery hot water cylinder was selected not only for the reduction in environmental pollutants but also for the significant reduction of fuel consumption and life cycle costs. There was a significant improvement in quality; the scheme had a positive impact on the residents of Noctorum and the environment.