T894 Parkside Phase 3a - proposed office block

Tender description

The University of Essex is seeking to obtain the services of a suitable contractor to undertake construction works required for delivery of the new office block and associated external works at The University of Essex, Wivenhoe Park, Wivenhoe, Essex. The project will be undertaken on a live university campus and must be undertaken without causing undue disruption to the rest of the site whilst keeping existing services live and available to neighbouring facilities. The project involves: • Construction of a new four storey building (approximately 4,800m2) comprising of piled foundations, steel frame, masonry external walls, concrete roof fitted out central core, reception area and toilet areas and open plan office areas. • Associated pathways and access ways, retaining walls, steps and car parking together with foul and surface water drainage and new utility services. The previous tender requirements was to deliver this project on a 'shell and core' basis with an external tenant undertaking the necessary internal fit out to suit the business activity. The University has sought commercial advice for national marketing agents and with the increased commercial uncertainty within the market place, this option is no longer recommended. The project will now be progressing as a 'shell and core' plus a proportion of internal sub-division. This sub-division may include; 1. Carpet to the internal office areas 2. Physical data wiring within the common areas and office areas 3. Floor boxes installed into the office area (to an open plan layout) 4. Partition wall along the identified sub-division lines within the offices 5. An element of Cellular offices / meeting spaces 6. Blinds to windows The University of Essex Knowledge Gateway, local and national agents are working to secure a tenant during the tender and possibility construction phases of the project and have allowed a sum of up to £4,166,666 + VAT for the internal fit out to suit an anchor tenant or multiple tenancies across the building floors. The fit out will be offered to the principle contractor to cost and undertake (subject to cost, contract and programme) as part of the main build contract. The extent of the internal fit out is currently unknown as no tenant has been secured, however indicative layouts will be included in the costing stage of the tender to benchmark figures against.