Ealing Council, hurleypalmerflatt

Modern, streamlined services for Ealing Council

Project:

Perceval House, Ealing

Value:

£18 million

Ealing Council serves 300,000 residents. Modernising and streamlining public services while delivering central headquarters and a strong civic presence were the key objectives in the refurbishment of Perceval House, the council's principal office building.

hurleypalmerflatt acted as the mechanical & electrical engineer, structural engineer and IT & communications consultant on this project, which comprises a customer service centre, five office floors and a large first floor contact centre, supported by a multi-purpose business centre on the ground floor.

The refurbishment of the six-storey building was undertaken within a very tight timeframe and, as it was occupied throughout, on a floor-by-floor basis. Services remained live and disruption was kept to a minimum.

The scheme represents the integration of building design, facilities management, ICT, optimum space utilisation and streamlined business processes. By housing all services in one building, the council can centralise all IT desktop procurement, hardware and software maintenance, and life-cycle replacement. This helps provide the resilience necessary for a 24/7 operation and ensures good comfort levels for the 2,250 staff.

The structure of the building, formed from a reinforced concrete frame, had to be enhanced, service voids were created and increased floor loads had to be analysed and accommodated. Secondary structures, including car-ports and cycle sheds, were also designed and delivered.