Project Overview
Oatway Design was appointed to provide M&E Technical Advisory Services on the landmark £50 million refurbishment of the iconic Derry’s Building in Plymouth. After remaining unoccupied for over a generation, this complex and ambitious project involved the redevelopment of a listed building, requiring the highest levels of regulatory compliance and technical expertise. The final result: a vibrant mixed-use space housing student accommodation, a hotel, food and restaurant outlets, and commercial units.
The M&E Engineering Challenges
This project presented significant challenges, including:
- Listed Building Regulations: Navigating complex heritage requirements to protect the building’s historic value while delivering modern functionality.
- Complex Stakeholder Environment: Acting on behalf of a multinational capital provider and collaborating with architects, contractors, and the client’s agent to ensure quality and compliance.
- Covid-19 Delays and Contractor Challenges: Managing significant delays, cost overruns, and the collapse of the main contractor mid-project, ensuring continuity of construction.
- Environmental and Comfort Issues: Addressing post-construction issues related to overheating and suboptimal comfort levels for tenants and residents.
Our Role as M&E Technical Advisors
As Technical Advisors, Oatway Design provided essential support across every stage of this transformative development:
- M&E Design Assurance:
- Collaborated with the client, architect, and design-build contractor to review and approve designs, ensuring compliance with complex regulatory and planning requirements.
- Quality Control:
- Conducted regular on-site inspections to ensure construction quality aligned with the intended design and regulatory standards, addressing issues promptly and professionally.
- Stakeholder Collaboration:
- Acted as the bridge between the client’s agent, architects, and funders, facilitating critical decision-making and maintaining alignment across all parties.
- Post-Completion Remedial Design:
- Provided additional design support to resolve overheating issues, ensuring the building met best-practice standards for heating, ventilation, and tenant comfort.
Driving Results
Despite numerous challenges, Oatway Design played a pivotal role in bringing this complex project to fruition:
- Continuity Through Crisis: Managed the project through the failure of the main contractor, ensuring viability and meeting tenant demands.
- Regulatory Compliance Achieved: Delivered a compliant, high-quality development that balances the historic nature of the building with its modern functionality.
- Improved Tenant Satisfaction: Designed and implemented remedial measures to address environmental concerns, improving comfort for tenants, residents, and visitors.
- Client Representation & Quality Oversight: Attended monthly client meetings to provide strategic oversight, ensuring the contractor’s design, installation, and programme adhered to compliance standards and project requirements.
Why This Matters
“Our role as M&E Technical Advisors on the Derry’s Building project demonstrates the value of combining technical expertise with proactive collaboration. This redevelopment breathes new life into a historic landmark while meeting the complex demands of modern mixed-use spaces.” – Oatway Design
Partner with Us
Oatway Design specialises in managing complex, high-value projects for developers seeking expert support in navigating regulatory challenges and ensuring design excellence.
Contact us to discuss how we can support your next transformative development.
