The Fairfield Trust had two adjoining properties in Torquay, Fairfield West and Fairfield Mews, which were used to house retired missionaries. These properties were divided into apartments that had not seen any modernisation since their first conversion over 20 years ago.

The trust embarked on an extensive phased refurbishment of the two properties, whilst also introducing additional visitors accommodation over the existing garage, thus making three distinct phases for the project. To assist with the smooth running of the project Ease were appointed as the Clients Representative to assist with the dealings with the professional team, contractors [ROK] and third parties such as removals, accountants, auctioneers and VAT advisors.

The first phase of the project went well and ROK then moved onto the second phase, but, unfortuantely mid way through this phase ROK went into administration leaving the client with a part finished project and a number of disgruntled subcontractors. At this point Ease took control of the works on site and as employer had all the contractors back to site to finish the second phase.

Once the second phase was back on track the client began to consider how best to complete the last phase of the scheme, noting they only had a fixed fund for the scheme. After some deliberations the Trust asked Ease if they would consider tendering for the third phase of the scheme titled Fairfield West. To do this Ease employed Danny Mitchell and Gareth Lewis, who had previously ran the scheme for ROK. They in turn brought on Liam Gooding and Nick Wotton to form the nucleus of the team for the project, and EaseBuild.

Fairfield West was the largest of the phases at Fairfield and involved knocking down two extensions, remodelling and creating 8 new apartments, two of which were garden flats built at the front of the property. As usual with refurbishment projects a number of challenges, including the rock, unveiled themselves as works progressed. But the EaseBuild team on site took these all in their stride and pushed hard to keep to their programme. In fact, despite numerous variations, works were completed 3 weeks ahead of the contract programme.

Ease were also able to work with the client and there QS’s, Hart & Hunnam, to continually monitor the forecast outturn cost. This enabled the client to maximise their £850,0000 investment without exceeding their allocated budget.

 

 

On completion  an opening party was held on the new terrace where all those involved in the project, the neighbours and residents were able to celebrate a successful completion of the project.

To conclude, a fantastic outcome for the project given the difficult circumstances it faced with ROK’s demise.

Chris Dick, Director of the Fairfield Trust, said: “The Fairfield Trust manages 14 flats for retired missionaries in Torbay. As a result of a significant legacy a major refurbishment programme was undertaken to restore all the flats and associated buildings. An architect, a builder and quantity surveyor were appointed, but as all the Trustees lived away from the project it was thought prudent to appoint a project manager to liaise with the architect, builder and quantity surveyor not only to monitor progress and assist with the temporary moving of residents, but most importantly to scrutinise all costs and to maintain an accurate record of expenditure on behalf of the client. Andy Cook of Ease Development undertook the role of Project Manager and did an outstanding job liaising with the manager of the flats and the building team so that costs were kept under control and disruption to the residents kept to a minimum”.

 

Peter Dick-Peter, said:  “Thank you personally for making it all happen at the Fairfields – you always provided sound advice and guidance and made things happen despite all the various ‘challenges’ put your way – and all with a sense of good humour that I found refreshing and greatly appreciated – thank you.
 
I cannot but believe that with this team and perfect clients like what we are! you can be anything other than a huge success – this country needs companies like Ease at the moment!”