In October 2023, Camberley Theatre discovered RAAC (Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete) in their roof. Although no immediate threat to safety existed, the team at Surrey Heath council moved quickly to minimise any risks, ensuring remedial action was underway. The goal being to ensure that the theatre could return to full use as soon as possible, in time for the 2024 pantomime season.
Upon identifying the presence of RAAC, the services of suitably experienced structural specialists. Gurney Consulting Engineers were obtained to provide advice. Gurneys undertook extensive investigations. As a result, they determined a range of mitigation measures would ensure its long-term integrity.
Project Brief
Chawton Hill Associates’ appointment came in May 2024. We helped design, project manage and co-ordinate all aspects of the project from design to completion including:
- Managing consultants designing the specialised aspects of the work.
- Designing more general works not being undertaken by other consultants.
- Writing the specification, including input from specialist consultants, and creating the wider tender pack documents.
- Assisting with the tender process.
- Contract administration and project management of the works with the appointed contractor.
- Budget and programme management.
- Designing, preparing and submitting full planning application. This included installing a new air handling unit and timber enclosure to the rear of the theatre.
- Removal of the old air handling unit from the theatre roof and placing a new air handling unit to ground level behind the theatre.
The project’s budget and programme were tight, beginning mid-August 2024, and completion set for mid-November 2024 in time for the start of the pantomime season, at the end of November.
Project Innovation
Due to financial and time constraints it was decided it would be more economical and practical to leave the existing RAAC planks in-situ and introduce secondary steel supports to the RAAC planks. Further key challenges included co-ordinating the ongoing Structural and M & E designs and ensuring design information was issued to the contractor in time to procure the works and meet the non-negotiable contract deadline.
As a result of a great team effort, we are very pleased to say practical completion was achieved by the end of November 2024. As always, should you have similar issues or we can assist at all, please get in touch.
Project Summary:
- Project Value: c.£650,000
- Client: Surrey Heath Council
- Others: Gurney Consulting (Engineers), H.A. Marks (Contractor), EDP Environmental (M & E Consultants)