Control Centre Redevelopment
Port of London Authority
Project Highlights
Sector
Logistics and Infrastructure
Procurement Route
Two-Stage D&B
Value
£6.7m
Programme
61 weeks
Completion Date
September ‘26
Location
Gravesend, Kent
Client
Port of London Authority
Key Features
- Works completed in a live environment
- Residential and waterfront setting
- Restricted access
- Site containing key national infrastructure
Project Summary
The project comprises the redevelopment of the existing PLA control centre at Gravesend on the River Thames, inclusive of design development from RIBA 3 through to completion.
Project Works Overview
Enabling works comprise relocation of the existing control centre to a temporary location, partial demolition of the existing building
including protection of listed features adjacent.
New Superstructure works comprise installation of an additional storey at roof level and full façade render complete with window
replacement, new floor slab layout, lift and access stairs, installation of internal walls and finishes, mechanical and electrical services to house the new control centre, management and administration facilities.
External works comprise re-modelling of car parking, access routes and logistics areas to provide a co-ordinated external landscape, provision of safe access and simplified facilities
management.
Works completed in a live operational environment, controlling river traffic from Central London through the Thames Estuary,
requiring management of interfaces both with the PLA operational staff and the public.
Site Setting
- Located on a riverfront plot, within a live operational area providing access to small craft ferrying river pilots to in-bound vessels.
- Adjacent to a grade-2 listed pier structure, which required 24/7 access as part of the live estate.
- Land-side access via single-lane public road, providing shared access to local residences and businesses.
- Cul-de-sac access road requires careful planning of logistics avoid impact to local vehicle and pedestrian traffic.
- External areas required protection to allow use of construction plant whilst mitigating risk of damage to retained areas.
Community Enhancement and Involvement
- Direct communication established with local businesses and resident’s groups, encouraging dialogue and feedback.
- Pro-active liaison with local residents in the form of letter drops and updated bulletin boards at the site boundary.
- Promotion of local businesses through targeted procurement and recruitment.
Services/Stats/S278’s Involvement
- Live services including HV power and fibre-optic cables within the work area were protected to allow transit by construction plant.
- Liaison with local highways to agree extent of footpath closures, carriageway narrowing and enhanced policing of parking restrictions during key phases.
Sustainability and Environmental Contribution
- Enhanced design techniques including 3d
design enables modularisation of
construction, reducing overall waste. - Off-site manufacture allows site works to be
reduced, mitigating impact of site works on
local communities and the environment. - Opportunities for re-use optimised through
modelling of existing structures for re-use,
with consideration of future life expectations
in an exposed, marine environment.
