Key Info | New Build/Restoration ResidentialWhitesquare Developments48 UnitsInstallation and Validation Works |
The Pressworks is located in the heart of Birmingham's prestigious Jewellery Quarter. Just moments from the famous St Paul's Square, The Colmore Business District and Birmingham City Centre, the development occupies a premier location in the city's most desirable district.
Designed to preserve the site's working heritage whilst creating a place fit for the modern world. The Pressworks restoration of the original grade II listed building and the addition of new build elements is the finest example of history and contemporary design seamlessly combining to create a unique place.
The building offers homes with unique features that set it apart. Residents can enjoy oversized industrial-designed floor-to-ceiling windows, exposed brickwork, and elegant arched windows. Bedrooms include walk-in wardrobe areas for added convenience, and the highly glazed communal entrances and stairwells in the South and Central Blocks provide a touch of modern elegance. Pressworks building combines historical charm with contemporary living, with ample storage areas, some plots featuring their own front door or street access, and others offering direct access to a courtyard.
Courtyards and outdoor space play an important role in creating pockets of green for residents to enjoy all year round. An original metal press has been restored by expert technicians and stands proudly in one of the courtyards as a reminder of the site's working history and celebration of local craftsmanship.
Key Services
Mechanical Services include:
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Life Safety Systems include:
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Challenges
The scope of works for this project included a full M&E installation and commissioning. After being dormant for approximately a year due to the main contractor going into receivership, LMEP took over the project and faced several significant challenges.
The site was very untidy, resulting in limited material storage space. Issues with the original management structure, which was kept on to complete the build, added complexity. The client also inherited underperforming sub-contractors, which impacted our installation schedule due to late material and service installations.
Financial constraints on the client side and disgruntled sub-contractors, who suffered losses from the main contractor’s receivership, further complicated matters. Storage space was insufficient due to waste and dumped materials. Incomplete and outstanding design information, with designers unwilling to assist, created additional hurdles.
The late energisation of statutory services required temporary solutions. Reviewing available paperwork revealed many missing documents and testing and validating existing M&E services before commencing work was necessary. Proposing new equipment and materials in several areas was essential to meet project requirements. Managing the project from 175 miles away added to the logistical challenges.
Despite these obstacles, LMEP successfully navigated the project, demonstrating resilience, adaptability, and a commitment to delivering high-quality results. Our proactive problem-solving and effective collaboration ensured the project’s success, showcasing LMEP as a reliable and capable partner.
