Access Consultancy Services at Newcastle University
7 September 2010

Newcastle University has retained AA Projects Access Consultants for a third phase of Access Audits, including the assessment of five buildings and a campus wide circulation strategy. AA Projects has become a key advisor to the University for Access Consultancy Services due to their extensive experience in this Sector, innovative approach to inclusive environments and ability to demonstrate a clear and focused understanding of the University’s operational requirements and business needs.

Once phase three is complete, AA Projects will work with the University to develop a holistic and prioritised access strategy for implementation over a five year period, focusing on expanding access to education and curriculum services for the maximum number of students. 

Facilities Management Services
16 August 2010

The demands on existing buildings have never been greater with the need to balance revenue cuts against ever rising expectations. Surveys indicate that 7 of the top 10 criteria that influence a student’s choice of institution are to do with the estate and the facilities, including cleanliness, comfort and condition. AA Projects is helping clients rise to the challenge and maximise FM savings by providing a number of services including the provision of Operational Policies, Asset Register and Maintenance Plans, Maintenance Contractor Procurement and Life Cycle Costing. These services provide practical yet effective solutions and can be tailored to meet individual requirements.

AA Projects Supports Dick Camplin Education Trust
20 July 2010

AA Projects is an enthusiastic supporter of the Dick Camplin Education Trust which provides scholarships for students from challenging economic and social backgrounds.  The AA Projects Award was developed for the Trust in association with Loreto Sixth Form College and provides sponsorship for one chosen student per year.  AA Projects was extremely proud to receive the news that Curtis Martyn, the first student to receive the award, has recently graduated from the University of Manchester receiving a first class honours degree in Architecture.  Curtis was also short-listed for the Undergraduate of the Year Award. a significant achievement from over 600 applicants. Curtis states, " …am forever thankful for the contribution of the Dick Camplin Education Trust which has undoubtedly allowed me to have a great start on this tremendous journey".  AA Projects will continue to support the Trust and would like to wish Curtis every success in the next stage of his career. 

Sir John Deane's College Opens New Building
8 July 2010

The initial phase of Sir John Deane's new college building was officially opened on 6th July 2010.  The project comprises demolition and replacement of over 8,000m² of accommodation and refurbishment of 2,000m² to provide a outstanding new facility.  Phase One has involved demolishing the existing Sports Dome and temporary classrooms and replacing them with a state-of-the-art main College building which includes a dramatic new entrance, an integral Learning Resource Centre and classrooms for Science, Maths, English, Business Studies, Law, IT and computing.  The project features a number of innovative sustainable measures including 'smart lighting' and renewable energy sources which has resulted in a BREEAM Very Good accreditation being achieved.

AA Projects provide all management disciplines including Strategic Consultancy, Project Management, Building Surveying, Quantity Surveying and CDM/Health and Safety.  Around 1,300 students will benefit from the outstanding new facilities.

Loreto Sixth Form College Shortlisted in Northwest Business Environment Award
11 June 2010

Phase 4 at Loreto Sixth Form College has been shortlisted for the Built Environment Category of the Northwest Business Environment Awards.  AA Projects provided Strategic Management expertise on this £15 million, 5 storey new-build education facility helping to secure funding from the Learning & Skills Council, along with providing Project Management, Quantity Surveying, Employers Agent and CDM Co-ordinator services.

The building achieved an 'excellent' BREEAM in 2009 and received rating performance credits in the areas of energy, materials, waste, water, ecology, pollution, transport, management, and health and wellbeing.  The development makes good use of renewable and low carbon technologies, rain water harvesting, an extensive green roof to reduce the ecological impact, provides a comfortable working environment with predominantly naturally ventilated spaces and utilises good local controls for heating and lighting.  Overall, the scheme utilised materials with low environmental impacts and substantially reduced C02 emissions.  Winners of the award will be announced in October 2010.

LABC North West Region Building Excellence Award for AA Projects
17 May 2010

The Burnley College and UCLan Centre won the LABC North West Region Building Excellence Award in the Best Education Development Category. AA Projects provided the Project Management, Quantity Surveying and Health and Safety expertise on the new £82m campus which has three distinct but interlinking and mutually supporting elements to incorporate Further Education, Higher Education and Adult Skills.

In total, there were 30,000 developments completed in the North West last year, with just 300 (1%) short listed for the LABC North West awards. The Awards Ceremony took place on Friday evening at the Bolton Reebok Stadium.  St John's C of E Primary School, Blackpool was one of the two Commended in the same Best Education Development Category and AA Projects provided the Project Management on this prestigious development. Paul Hughes, Associate at AA Projects said, "We were delighted to receive both Awards. Competition was very strong in the Education Category with many excellent entries in the North West. An overall win for The Burnley College and UCLan Centre is testament to this unique and outstanding development which has transformed learning in the region."

Golden Bolt Ceremony at Liverpool Community College
15 May 2010

A Golden Bolt Ceremony was held at Liverpool Community College on site at the New Learner Centre in Roscoe Street to mark the completion of the structural frame. The development value of the project is £29 million and with a completion date scheduled for May 2011. AA Projects is proud to have been retained consultants at Liverpool Community College for over 10 years, completing successive phases of the College's estate rationalisation with a total development value exceeding £140 million.  

Two Wins for AA Projects at Prestigious BCO Awards
7 May 2010

The BCO Awards Dinner is considered to be one of the most prestigious events in the corporate real estate calendar attracting key players from the office industry sector.  Last night saw the presentation of the Regional Awards for the North England, North Wales and Northern Ireland and AA Projects was proud to be part of two of the winning teams.  The Lancaster University ISS building won the BCO Award for best Corporate Workspace with AA Projects providing the Project Management expertise on this 2,500 square metre sustainable development which provides a data centre and office accommodation for the University.  The second award was given to the Cooper's Studio development in Newcastle, a £2.5m conversion and refurbishment of a listed building into studios/offices with AA Projects providing Project Management, Cost Consultancy and CDM-C services.  These projects will now compete in the National Awards with the winners to be announced at a National Awards Dinner in October 2010.  

Delivery of World Class Youth Centres in North West
27 April 2010

AA Projects is working with the registered charity OnSide on an initiative to deliver world class youth centres across the North West.  The aims of the project are to improve the offer that is made to young people in some of the poorer communities focusing on youth aspirations, social mobility and well being.  AA Projects is currently involved in three schemes in the North West, providing a number of services including Quantity Surveying , Employer's Agent, CDM-Coordinator, OJEU and secondment services.  The projects include indoor and outdoor sports facilities, fitness and boxing gymnasia, a café, youth support, music and recreational facilities.  OnSide is funded by the Big Lottery and from Private Sector contributions.

New Developments within Education
20 April 2010

AA Projects continues to strengthen its position within Education, winning Property Strategy commissions at Leeds College of Art and Hopwood Hall College.  At Mid-Cheshire College, the new Winsford Learning Zone achieved completion on-site on 19 April 2010, with AA Projects providing Project Management services for the new development.  At Liverpool John Moores University, the new Mount Pleasant Development commenced on site 12 April 2010 with AA Projects providing Project Management, Building Surveying and Health & Safety expertise.  At, Liverpool Community College the new Learner Centre Golden Bolt ceremony took place on 19 April 2010 and the official opening of Burnley College was celebrated on 1 April 2010.  

BREEAM Further Education Award for Loreto Sixth Form College
9 March 2010

Sixteen of the most successful sustainable buildings have been honoured at the Building Research Establishment BREEAM Awards 2010 at Ecobuild, London. Loreto Sixth Form College in Manchester received the BREEAM Further Education Award for its new, multi-functional building which was predominantly funded by the Learning & Skills Council. Construction Consultants AA Projects are Project Managers for the scheme and were tasked delivering a state-of-the-art teaching facility that promotes sustainable design to the College and its wider community.

Please see attached release, for further details

'Building Excellence Award' for Blackpool and The Fylde College
1 March 2010

Blackpool Council has awarded a 'Building Excellence' award for excellence in sustainable construction to Blackpool and The Fylde College for the construction of their new Hub Building.  AA Projects undertook the role of the Project Manager and Employers Agent on this £5 million development which provides a new hub for the Higher Education campus.  Mark Gledhill, Project Manager at AA Projects said, "We are delighted to have received this prestigious accolade.  Environmental matters are key to AA Projects and this award recognises and symbolises the company's sustainability policies.  We look forward to receiving the award from the Mayor of the Council at the Awards Ceremony on 12th March".

New Cystic Fibrosis Department for Sheffield Teaching Hospitals
10 February 2010

Construction Consultant AA Projects is working with the Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, providing Quantity Surveying services on the refurbishment of the top floor of the Clinical Research Facility to provide a new Cystic Fibrosis department. It is an exciting development for the Trust and will provide outstanding new Cystic Fibrosis facilities in the region.

State of the Art New Assisted Conception Unit
27 January 2010

Liverpool Women’s Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, working closely with Northwest Fertility, commissioned a team of consultants led by AA Projects to assist the Trust in determining their key requirements for the expansion of the Hewitt Centre, a dedicated IVF facility. The team went on to successfully manage the project through the design and construction process to the handover of a new state of the art facility.
Please see case study for further details.

New Health and Wellbeing Centre for Hanley
20 January 2010

Outstanding new health facilities in Hanley town centre were opened on 31st December 2009. The project was commissioned by NHS Stoke on Trent and is part of a nation-wide programme, led by Lord Darzi, aimed at improving access to GP services and which calls on every PCT in England to establish a GP led Health Centre open for 12 hours a day, every day of the week.

AA Projects undertook the role of Employer’s Agent and Quantity Surveyor on the project which comprised the design, refurbishment and fitting out of existing 1901 retail premises on the main street of Hanley. Site works were undertaken over a sixteen week construction period, inclusive of asbestos removal, allowing the centre to open on time in December. Accommodation includes five examination/treatment rooms, two phlebotomy rooms, one multi purpose room, one training/meeting room/library and one staff common room.

Commenting on the new Centre, Chief Executive, NHS Stoke on Trent, Graham Urwin, said: "This new Centre is about providing access to GPs and nurses, as easily as possible, to the people we seek to serve and care for".

"NHS Stoke on Trent has got to continuously evolve and look at new and innovative ways of bringing healthcare to the community and the Hanley Health and Wellbeing Centre is a great service in the heart of Stoke on Trent."

AA Projects Hosts Rights of Light Regional Seminars
4 January 2010

Rights of Light is a specialist service provided by the highly experienced Building Surveying team at AA Projects. To share some of their expertise in this field, the team is running a series of regional workshops in Manchester, Leeds, London, Birmingham and Newcastle upon Tyne. The team is able to offer advice and expertise to developers, architects, other professionals in the construction industry or to those that feel they may be the potentially injured party. Services offered include Expert Witness, Dispute Resolution and 3D Modelling & Computer Analysis to calculate compensation or help define maximum building envelopes.  

For further information on Rights of Light, please see attached flyer

Chester Station Refurbishment
17 December 2009

Chester Station, originally built in 1848, is a particularly fine example of its type and this is reflected in its Grade II listed status.  A current programme is underway to provide better access into the station, refurbish existing facilities and to provide additional retail outlets whilst retaining the original historic fabric.  AA Projects is providing Cost Consultancy services on this £4m project.

New £37m development at Liverpool John Moores University
3 December 2009

Management and Property Consultant AA Projects is providing Project Management and Health & Safety expertise for a stunning new £37m development at Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU).  Developed on a key strategic site, the building will be a gateway to the Knowledge Quarter and the Mount Pleasant Campus and will provide a new Centre for the Faculty of Business and Law, the Liverpool Screen School, and the University’s new Professional Centre.  

Please see attached release, for further details

Regeneration Scheme for AA Projects in Liverpool
16 November 2009

As a part of the regeneration of the Kensington neighbourhood in Liverpool, AA Projects is working with Park Options Limited to deliver part of the largest 'New Deal for Communities' projects in the country. AA Projects is providing Quantity Surveying and CDM-C services on a £0.5m scheme to regenerate existing public realm facilities within the vicinity of Kensington Reservoir.  

Stereotactic Radiosurgery at Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
21 October 2009

AA Projects health team sis undertaking the roles of Project Manager and Cost Advisor on the Gamma Knife Project for the Trust, the upgrade to the Stereotactic Radiosurgery department.  The service is currently split between the Royal Hallamshire Hospital and Weston Park Hospital in the centre of Sheffield and as part of the upgrade the project is looking to unify the service at Hallamshire Hospital.  The Strategic Outline Case has been approved and is currently proceeding through to the Outline Business Case.  Project delivery is via the NHS Procure 21 framework.

AA Projects Sponsors Trophy at Brough Park Greyhound Stadium
19 October 2009

AA Projects Newcastle Office organised a client and staff social event at Brough Park Greyhound Stadium.  The event was well attended, provided great entertainment and was classed as a success by all.  AA Projects sponsored the AAP Trophy which was collected by Stuart Denton, Graeme Harker, and Peter Dalby (pictured below).  Following the end of racing some of the party returned to Newcastle to count winnings and losses at various local hostelries.  Building on this success, similar events for both staff and clients are to be held in the future.

AA Projects Achieves BREEAM First for North West College
2 October 2009

Blackpool and the Fylde College has been awarded a BREEAM ‘Excellent’ rating for its new Central Hub building, a £10m development jointly funded by HEFCE, NWDA and the College. This is the first educational scheme in the North West to be accredited BREEAM Excellent for both Design/Procurement and Post Construction stages. AA projects undertook the roles of Project Manager and Employer's agent and are proud of this latest achievement.

Please see attached release, for further details

Building Schools for the Future (BSF)
15 September 2009

AA Projects has been working in the BSF arena since its inception in 2004, working for Local Authorities, supporting the private sector bidding process and providing post LEP services. Our team provided programme management for Leicester's £236m BSF programme, which is now seeing its first schools open this summer and subsequently provided similar support to Bedford for its emerging wave 6 programme. A key aspect of our contribution to these two Authorities was in the generation of additional funding from PfS to enable a truly transformational approach. We are currently supporting Navigant Consulting with their work on Knowsley BSF, providing cost consultancy services and lead technical advice for their Primary Capital and Sixth Form Centre programmes.

Our team has also been using their expertise to the advantage of the private sector, supporting bidders through the complex process of tendering for the programmes as they come to market. So far, our team has successfully supported LST in Kent on a £600m programme, and Equitix in Derbyshire for their £700m programme.

The BSF team, led by our Divisional Director Keith German, are also providing post LEP services in the development of new projects and independent certification.  

Gaza Barracks
8 August 2009

AA Projects has recently completed the successful handover of the Regimental Head Quarter building at Gaza Barracks. This is the final building out of 16 already completed over the past 3 years of construction on the Gaza Megiddo Project. The £83m development has provided new technical accommodation and infrastructure, resulting in military units with modern, well laid out accommodation and a fabulous working environment.

The project has been delivered via a Regional Prime Contract between Defence Estates and Carillion Enterprise with AA Projects appointed by Defence Estates as Project Managers, H&S advisors and Cost Consultants.

The project has received considerable praise for the success of the partnering relationships within the Integrated Project Team, and is recognised as the Prime Contract benchmark for Defence Estates.

New AA Projects Development for South Sefton
14 July 2009

A new £12 million Sixth Form College will open its doors to students in September 2009.  With construction work now complete, the keys to South Sefton Sixth Form College have been handed to the headteacher and the process of 'moving in' has begun.  Construction and Property Consultant, AA Projects, successfully completed the roles of Project Manager, Employer's Agent, Quantity Surveyor and CDM Co-ordinator for this flagship new learning centre.

Please see attached release, for further details

Warwickshire Justice Centre at Leamington Spa
13 July 2009

The Warwickshire Justice Centre at Leamington Spa is the second landmark development to be carried out by Warwickshire Police and Her Majesty's Courts Service with AA Projects providing Cost Consultancy and Employer's Agent services.

The Justice Centre, which brings together all the different Justice Agencies together in one interconnected building, encompasses both new build and refurbishment works with a total construction spend of £32m spanning over a four year period.  Further new build works which comprises the construction of a five storey building with police sector and district stations, civil, magistrate and crown courts with accompanying custody facilities and offices for the justice agencies is 12 months into a 24 month programme and is currently on budget and five weeks ahead of time.  When completed, this will be followed by the final phase refurbishment works, circa £1.5m, bringing the existing police custody suite up to present day design standards and linking the two buildings into one.

New Development for Mid-Cheshire College
3 July 2009

Construction and Property Consultant, AA Projects, is undertaking the role of Project Manager and Employer's Agent on Mid-Cheshire College 's new flagship learning centre in Winsford.  Construction has commenced and the steel frame now started on this £10m new development on a brownfield site, situated at the east of Winsford town centre within the valley of the River Weaver.

Please see attached release, for further details

Middlesbrough College Award Successes
25 June 2009

Construction and Property Consultant, AA Projects, is celebrating two wins for Middlesbrough College in less than a week.  The College received a ‘Highly Commended' award at the RIBA / LSC Further Education Design Excellence Awards and a further ‘Highly Commended' award at the Middlesbrough Council Design Awards 2009.  AA Projects undertook the roles of Employer's Agent, Quantity Surveyor and CDM Co-ordinator on this iconic development.

Please see attached release, for further details

New £4.1m Construction Centre for Hugh Baird College
22 May 2009

Construction and Property Consultants, AA Projects, were proud to attend the official opening of a new £4.1m construction centre at one of Merseyside's biggest colleges. AA Projects has provided the Project Management Expertise, Quantity Surveying and Building Surveying services along with Health & Safety Advice during the development of this state-of-the-art facility. Strategic Property Advice from the consultancy also helped to attain necessary funding from the Learning & Skills Council.

Please see attached release, for further details.

AA Projects Celebrating Regeneration ‘Oscar' for Middlesbrough College
29 April 2009

Construction and Property Consultant, AA Projects, is celebrating a win for Middlesbrough College after the college received the RICS North East Renaissance Award for Regeneration at a glittering event held at Newcastle Civic Centre.  The college was presented with this major award as recognition for its contribution to the regeneration of Middlesbrough.

Please see attached release, for further details

Two New University Appointments for AA Projects
26 March 2009

AA Projects has been appointed to Durham University Consultants Framework to provide Project Management and Quantity Surveying services.  Also, at Staffordshire University, the Property & Construction Consultants have been commissioned as Project Managers on a new Science Building, Sports Education Building and Media Centre.

AA Projects Recruits New Divisional Director
26 March 2009

AA Projects has recruited a new Divisional Director to manage and develop the Quantity Surveying business across the five regional offices. This is a new role for this growing organisation and Andrew Elson FRICS joins AA Projects from Cyril Sweett, where he has 20 years experience of expanding their Manchester office.

For further information, see full release (pdf 49kb).

The Awards Finalists have been announced for the RIBA/ LSC Further Education Design Awards.  The judges were very impressed by the exceptional standard of this years entries, which demonstrate how the FE sector is creating new and exciting environments which will shape how learning is delivered long into the future.

The list of six finalists includes Middlesbrough College where Construction Consultants AA Projects provided Employer's Agent, Quantity Surveying and CDM Co-ordinator services; Joseph Chamberlain College an AA Projects Project Management commission and finally Kendal College where AA Projects undertook a key Strategic Management Role.

Paul Allen, Managing Director of AA Projects said,  "We are delighted with the projects that have been short listed this year as the standard of entries was exceptionally high and we would like to wish all of the finalists the very best of luck."

Bolton Sixth Form college has been short listed for the RICS North West awards in the design and innovation category.  The new build Sixth Form College, designed to be contemporary and modern in appearance, is made completely from recyclable materials with all timber selected from sustainable sources and Forest Stewardship Council (FSC).  AA Projects has been involved with the project from the very outset advising on the property and funding strategy and ultimately providing the overall Project Management, Cost Consultancy, Employer’s Agent and Health & Safety expertise.  The Award Ceremony will take place in May.

AA Projects Recruits New Director for Leeds
13 January 2009

Construction and Property Consultants, AA Projects, has recruited a new Divisional Director to head up its  Yorkshire office which is based in Leeds.  Keith German joined AA Projects in late December and will take responsibility for overseeing the development of the business in the Yorkshire and Humberside region. 
Please see attached release, for further details.