Tangham Lodge
Framework: SCAPE Regional Construction
Sector: Commercial
Completion: July 2023
Project value: £910,000
Apprentices employed: 2
"The delivery of our new Operations Facility at Tangham will bring much needed improvements to work and welfare facilities for the local team. From design to delivery, Forestry England would like to thank everyone involved for their hard work and commitment to the project. We are now looking forward to many years of enjoyment of the facility."
Simon Coombe
Forestry England
Forestry England's Rendlesham team are benefitting from a new operational hub, replacing an outdated building with a sustainable and comfortable facility.
Delivered collaboratively for Forestry England by R G Carter via the SCAPE Regional Construction framework, the new building has been designed and constructed to provide a new, modern, eco-friendly space to create a employee-focused environment, and allow for future growth.
Previously, the Rendlesham team were housed in a 1960's temporary structure that was no longer fit for purpose. In order to suit the current operational requirements, it was agreed that the new operational hub needed to be sustainable and efficient to run. The building was also to be used as a blueprint for future Forestry England sites, allowing a standardised facility to be rolled-out nationally.
Works were carried out in the middle of Rendlesham Forest, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). As such, all works required the supervision of an on-site ecologist to check all areas prior to, and during construction.
It was essential that the existing yard remained accessible as it was in daily use for forestry operations. Additionally, works were adjacent to a live RAF runway, which required specialist permissions and close liaison for timings for crane activities.
The single-storey timber framed operational facility was delivered successfully on time and within budget, and generated £315,000 in social value for the benefit of the local community.
Constructed using as much sustainably sourced materials as possible, the new building blends into its natural surroundings and reflects Forestry England's ethos and building portfolio. Regular communication and interaction with Forestry England, ensured R G Carter met their requirements and expectations throughout the project and minimised any inconvenience to their day-to-day operations.
Due to the site being of special scientific interest the project team worked closely with an on-site ecologist to ensure that there was no impact to the local habitat throughout the project. They also arranged a visit to the timber frame manufactures workshop for Forestry England to give them an insight of the processes and materials used to produce the timber frame and roof structure. This gave them a very good insight and understanding of this type of construction to take forward and consider for future projects.
Through using local and trusted supply chain the project was delivered to a high standard and provides a fit for purpose environment to meet current workplace legislation for locally based employees.
The project also received 'Excellence in Customer Service - Highly Commended' at SCAPE's 2024 Partner Celebration for the successful delivery of a high quality scheme for a new client, on time and on budget, and developing an efficient model to work with the client on future schemes nationwide.
Social value delivery
Social value delivery is placed at the heart of all SCAPE projects. As part of their framework commitment, for the Tangham Lodge project the R G Carter project team:
- appointed two carpentry apprentices, one of which work alongside the timber frame contractor to gain experience in timber frame and roof construction, for a period of 4 weeks, alongside completing their NVQ 3.
- offered 2 weeks work experience undertaken for students from a local school.
- all employees working on the project lived within a 30-mile radius of the site.
- local suppliers were awarded 80% of the overall supply chain orders, ensuring support to local business.
- volunteering and charitable donations through various events held throughout the year supported local charities including Macmillan, RSPCA, and Lighthouse.
£315,000
social value generation
100%
local labour within 40 miles
80%
local supply chain
In collaboration with:
Project gallery
The R G Carter project team successfully delivered a high quality scheme for a new client, Forestry England
The single-storey timber framed operational facility was delivered successfully on time and within budget
The building will be used as a blueprint for future Forestry England sites, allowing a standardised facility to be rolled-out nationally
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