Enterprise Hub

Following a competitive tender process, GS Kelsey were invited to attend a post-tender interview, having submitted the most economically advantageous bid for the scheme. During these discussions, it became clear that the project was exceeding the available budget and required a proactive, collaborative approach to make it viable.

Through early contractor involvement, our estimating and quantity surveying teams worked closely with the local authority to undertake a thorough value engineering exercise. By carefully reviewing key elements of the external works — including a strategic redesign of a retaining wall and optimisation of the proposed car parking layout — we identified savings in the region of £300,000. From an initial tender value exceeding £2 million, the contract was successfully delivered at £1.7 million.

Crucially, these savings were achieved without compromising the building’s footprint, functionality or long-term income-generating potential. Protecting the internal space ensured that the end-user retained their plans to create a shared community environment, incorporating mobile healthcare services alongside business and leisure facilities.

The completed Hub spans approximately 500m² and provides a vibrant, multi-functional space. It includes a new library, flexible breakout areas for local businesses and visiting healthcare providers, and a reconfigured gym facility. Renewable energy technologies were installed to enhance sustainability, while the existing leisure centre underwent extensive refurbishment.

Internally, the foyer has been revitalised with new floor finishes and full redecoration throughout. A replacement reception counter was installed, and structural works were undertaken to enable the future addition of a café — positioning the facility as a welcoming and commercially sustainable community destination.

Delivered within a live operational environment, our site management team worked diligently to minimise disruption to staff and service users, maintaining safe and efficient operations throughout the programme.

This project marked the final scheme completed under a successful four-year framework agreement with the local authority. Demonstrating our commitment to collaboration, cost control and quality delivery, GS Kelsey were subsequently appointed to a new six-year framework extending to 2025.

By combining commercial insight with practical design solutions, we ensured that a project at risk of being shelved due to budget pressures was successfully brought to life — creating a sustainable, modern community asset that will serve its users for years to come.