Public Park Toilet Refurbishment

Aims and Objectives

Description of the Works:

The project involved a comprehensive refurbishment of the public conveniences at a public park aimed at meeting the rigorous Changing Places standards. The scope of works included the installation of essential accessible features, such as hoists, adult-sized changing benches, and anti-vandal toilets, ensuring the facility was robust enough to handle the heavy usage expected in a public park setting. Significant structural modifications were made to the roof to support solar panels, contributing to the project’s sustainability objectives. In addition, LED lighting and anti-slip porcelain tiles were installed, alongside improved accessibility via redesigned ramps and enhanced external access.

Client Brief:

The council sought to enhance public accessibility by upgrading the park’s toilet facilities to comply with Changing Places standards. The goal was to ensure the facilities catered to people with complex disabilities, using public funds to create a durable, low-maintenance, and sustainable space.

Aims and Objectives at the outset:

The primary goal was to provide a fully accessible, modern, and durable facility that met Changing Places specifications. Sustainability, long-term functionality, and inclusivity were essential elements of the project, ensuring the facility could accommodate all park visitors while minimising environmental impact.

Implementation

Pre-Construction Services:

Prior to construction, extensive surveys were conducted to identify any potential challenges. One major issue identified was the roof’s inability to support the specified solar panels. Our team quickly devised a solution to reinforce the roof, ensuring that the solar panels could be installed safely. Additionally, careful planning was done to implement traffic management systems that minimized public disruption during the construction process.

Construction Phase Health and Safety Services:

Safety was a priority throughout the project. Given the park’s busy public environment, Tesla Group Ltd. installed protective fencing and implemented strict pedestrian control measures. Temporary disabled toilet facilities were provided on-site to ensure continued access for park visitors. Regular health and safety briefings were conducted, with weekly audits to ensure compliance with safety regulations.

The following pre-contract documents were issued:

• CDM Documents
• HSE File
• Construction Phase Plan
• Programme of Work
• Full Design package
• RAMS
• Pre-Start Meeting Minutes

A full construction phase plan was also issued to the client and kept on site as per CDM Requirements.

Cost Planning and Management:

Cost control was critical to the success of this publicly funded project. Bi-weekly meetings with the client allowed the team to monitor budgetary allocations closely. Even with unexpected structural changes, such as the roof reinforcement, Tesla Group Ltd. kept the project within budget, ensuring no overspending.

Specific working methods for providing and maintaining high customer satisfaction:

Tesla Group Ltd. prides itself on delivering high-quality solutions, and this project was no exception. We collaborated with the design team to make some key enhancements such as anti-graffiti coatings, disabled call alarms, improved drainage systems, and reinforced ramps for easier access. Structural reinforcements were also made to support the solar panels, all while maintaining tight deadlines and ensuring minimal disruption to park visitors.

In addition to this the project PM would review the works twice a week. Looking at the deliverables and installations completed to ensure standards are maintained.

Details of trades and disciplines subcontracted out and how suppliers were managed:

Tesla Group Ltd. managed the entire project, bringing in specialist subcontractors for specific aspects such as disabled facilities installation and mechanical and electrical upgrades. Suppliers were carefully chosen to meet the Changing Places standards. All subcontractors and suppliers were coordinated through regular communications and meetings to ensure that all parts of the project were completed to a high standard.

Details of meetings, communications, and interactions between all parties:

Bi-weekly site meetings were held between the Tesla Group Ltd. project manager, council representatives, and key subcontractors. These meetings served to review progress, address any potential issues, and ensure that the project remained on schedule. In addition to these formal meetings, the project manager conducted daily site inspections, providing a hands-on approach to quality control. Regular updates were provided to the client via email, including photographic documentation of completed works. This ensured that all stakeholders were kept informed throughout the project, fostering transparency and trust.

Description of approach to handover:

Two weeks prior to completion, Tesla Group Ltd. began the snagging process, identifying and addressing any minor issues before the final handover. A comprehensive site inspection was conducted with Cambridge City Council, during which the project was reviewed in detail. Any outstanding snagging items were promptly addressed. Following this, a full Operations and Maintenance (O&M) manual was provided to the client, complete with certifications for all installed systems, including the solar panels and disabled access features. The client was also provided with training on the use of the hoist systems and call alarms to ensure smooth ongoing operation.

Outcomes

How successful was the project:

The project was completed within budget, while achieving all of the council’s objectives. Feedback from the council was overwhelmingly positive, with particular praise for the high standard of the facility’s finish and the integration of sustainable features, such as the solar panels and LED lighting. The refurbished public conveniences have received excellent feedback from park visitors, who have commented on the facility’s cleanliness, accessibility, and modern design. The durability of the materials used, particularly the anti-vandal toilets and anti-graffiti paint, has helped ensure the facility will remain a valuable asset to the community for years to come.

Challenges to Overcome:

The primary challenge faced during this project was the unexpected structural limitations of the existing roof, which required reinforcement to accommodate the solar panels. By identifying this issue during the pre-construction phase, Tesla Group Ltd. was able to resolve it without causing delays to the project’s overall schedule. Another significant challenge was managing the construction process within a live public environment. Tesla Group implemented detailed traffic management and safety plans to ensure that the park remained accessible to visitors throughout the works, while also ensuring the safety of the public and construction workers.

Lessons Learnt:

One key takeaway from the project was the importance of detailed pre-construction surveys, particularly for older buildings. Identifying potential structural issues early in the process, such as the roof’s limited load-bearing capacity, allowed the project team to address them without impacting the overall timeline. The project also reinforced the importance of clear communication between the client, contractors, and suppliers. The regular meetings and transparent updates ensured that all stakeholders were aligned, contributing to the project’s smooth delivery.