University of Kent, Chatham Historic Dockyard

Kent, UK

ChapmanBDSP has undertaken several projects throughout the estate. 

One project included the refurbishment of the Grade II listed building that was a former engineering workshop to form a visitor attraction and exhibition centre. Most recently the building was used as a place to repair railway stock. 

Railway track is being extended into the workshop and a service pit to be excavated, where an archeological dig will be undertaken. We have also completed feasibility studies of nine buildings for conversion into education facilities for the University of Kent. 

The main challenge for this particular project was the inflexibility of the existing services infrastructure. We dealt with this challenge by redesigning the infrastructure through:

• Buildability in the strategic design phase which was informed by consideration of the proposed construction sequence and methodology of the infrastructure. 

• We carried out accurate surveys of existing infrastructure and recorded information to determine the exact nature of the site in order to determine the exact phasing of temporary works and enabling works to suit the phasing of the buildings. 

• Providing clear and comprehensive strategic drawings and schematics outlining the extent of work required to the key stakeholders.