Pictured above: The new space-saving racking system at
Recall Hoddesdon
National building consultancy Powell Williams LLP has been
retained to support the delivery of a multi-million pound fit out
programme for document management specialists Recall. The projects
will increase capacity of two large information centres by more
than 25 per cent, with all work carried out at night to enable
Recall to maintain an operational environment.
Recall, the UK's leading document management specialists, have
secured long term leases on existing large information centres in
Warrington and Northampton. Powell Williams' project management
team will assist and support Recall's in-house property experts, by
co-ordinating a range of specialist contractors engaged to upgrade
the current racking systems and infrastructure to meet Recall's
global standard operating procedures (SOPs) for security and fire
safety.
The projects involve converting the existing narrow aisle
storage solution into space-saving multi-tier / mezzanine racking
system, to optimise the existing space. The schemes also include
the installation of 'best-in-class' security, fire detection and
fire suppression systems, enhanced energy saving lighting and
general mechanical and electrical upgrades.
The Warrington project is at an 85,000 sq ft building at the
Gemini Business Park, while the Northampton scheme is a 85,000 sq
ft operation located at the Brackmills Industrial Estate,
Northampton.
These new contracts build on a five-year relationship with
Recall, and coincide with ongoing works at Recall's 'flag-ship'
site at Hoddesdon, Hertfordshire, where Powell Williams is
currently supporting the delivery of a project to increase capacity
by 25 per cent to meet the company's current growth, and the
delivery this month of Recall's newest facility at the Heywood
Distribution Park in Greater Manchester. There, Powell Williams
supported the delivery of the improvement works for a 35,000 sq ft
unit with similar systems and installation of interlinked packages
of racking as part of an 18-week programme.
Michael Jones, lead partner at Powell Williams' Birmingham
office, said: "These projects are designed to improve the
efficiency of the building, by reconfiguring the internal layout
and increasing the space available. This therefore maximises the
client's investment and improves its own customer service
offering.
"The particular challenge of these projects is the management of
the various specialist subcontractors to enable the programme to be
carried out at night, so as not to affect the ongoing operation of
the facilities. For this we will draw on our experience of working
with Recall over the last five years, and the recent delivery of a
similar scheme in Heywood."
Wayne Rogers, head of risk and infrastructure for Recall Europe,
added: "As our business continues to grow, we find ourselves
looking to expand our geographical footprint into key markets
across the UK. Each of our information centres has to be fitted out
with 'best-in-class' fire and security systems to meet our global
SOPs, and it is reassuring to have a project management team that
understands our requirements. Powell Williams has a track record
for delivering our projects in a safe and timely manner."