EDGE Provides Project Management for £10m Enabling Works Package for Milton Keynes East Development
Through our Professional Services Framework, multi-disciplinary property and construction consultancy EDGE was appointed to provide an enabling works package for the Milton Keynes East Development, which generated more than £55,000 in social value.
The package included demolition of existing buildings, extensive archaeology investigations, installation of two temporary bridges for use during construction, extensive haul roads, S278 highways modifications, all utility diversions into a temporary utility trench, and various ancillary works.
To support the project, EDGE took on the role of New Engineering Contract (NEC) project manager. This saw the consultancy use its experience and expertise to develop a project structure which achieved the requirements of NEC, i.e. early warning meetings, CE reviews, monthly progress meetings, and regular programme assessments. Once established EDGE chaired the meetings and ensure all parties were working in accordance with the contract. Specifically, EDGE provided detailed programme assessments to the client, showcasing opportunities, risks, and areas of non-compliance. Feeding this into compensation events and early warnings meant the client gained a robust understanding of why programme was critical within NEC and thus greater control in accordance with the contract.
Situated adjacent to Junction 14, northeast of Willen Lake, the Milton Keynes East Development is a circa 25-year scheme aiming to provide 4,000 to 5,000 homes and several million square foot of employment space across a 1,000-acre site.
The initial phase of the scheme includes the Highways Infrastructure Grant Funded provision of circa 15 kilometres of new roads and seven structures, including a bridge over the M1.
The new neighbourhood will be a thriving community where people want to live, work, and spend time. It will be a sustainable place that is fit and flexible for the 21st century, and will actively support health and wellbeing, connect people and nature, encourage community spirit and a strong sense of belonging.
Jonathan Oram, Director of Frameworks at Pagabo, said: “The Milton Keynes East Development is a scheme that will improve the lives of the people which live, work and play in the local area, with a particular focus on sustainability and improving wellbeing.
“Seeing the work carried out by EDGE only enhances their reputation as one of the UK’s leading consultancies and its businesses like EDGE which have the opportunity to thrive on our Professional Services Framework.”
Aidan Carter, Senior Project Manager at EDGE, said: “As the client was not familiar with the NEC form of contract, there were some challenges in introducing this contract. However, in our role as NEC project manager and planner, we structured the communications, meetings, and agreements in such a way to work with the requirements of the contract, but also the client’s internal processes.
“When it came to delivery, several changes were experienced during works, requiring complicated instruction, impact analysis and programme analysis. We ensured to develop clear and concise papers to explain to the client the position under the contract and how matters should be resolved. This gave confidence to the client while ensuring contractual NEC processes were adhered to.”
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