Walker Sime heads to Life Sciences Update

From the UK Biobank to the University of York’s Institute for Safe Autonomy, Walker Sime is at the heart of critical sci-tech construction projects across the North West. As the team heads to Life Sciences Property Update hosted by Place North West, we speak to Walker Sime’s Anthony Slack about the organisation’s track record in unlocking value while “steadying the ship” of construction delivery in the science sector.

The UK Biobank is the world’s most significant source of data and biological samples for health research. Its new, purpose-built facility at Bruntwood SciTech’s Manchester Science Park will make it faster, more efficient and better able to drive health improvements in the NHS and across the world. Walker Sime has been part of the project since its inception.

“We’ve been the cost consultants and employers agent (EA) on the project from the very first client telephone call and initial feasibility. We’re now 31 weeks into a 119-week build period,” explains Anthony Slack, Principal Quantity Surveyor at Walker Sime. “We’ve already delivered pre-contract quantity surveying (QS) and cost planning services. Now we’re administering contracts and effectively acting as the go-between for the main contractor, Willmott Dixon and the developer, Bruntwood SciTech.”

Steadying the ship

A project of such scale inevitably brings challenges. “The number of different stakeholders is the biggest challenge,” says Anthony. “Bringing the contractual side of things over the line and ensuring all parties remain on the same page requires continuous dialogue. We’ve certainly played our part in that but it’s a real combined effort with the developer, contractor and all stakeholders.

“I see our role really as steadying the ship,” he continues. “We make sure everyone’s informed, that everyone’s expectations are managed. You have to be commercially aware and savvy. You have to understand where the risks are, and know exactly what you’re procuring and when to ensure works are coordinated and delivered successfully. Reaching this stage of the build is always challenging but we work transparently and openly and we approach each project with positivity – and that’s a platform from which you can make things happen.”

Quantity surveyor and employer’s agent

As work continues (“the substructure work is now complete. We’re up to level four of the frame and it’s progressing well”), how does Walker Sime’s role evolve?

“It’s a dual role really,” says Anthony. “Post-contract it’s part QS and part EA. As EA we manage the employer’s affairs, administer contracts and address any design, commercial or programme-related issues that arise. The QS work is about the financial reporting of the project, agreeing any variation costs and valuing the works periodically.”

Walker Sime has spent the past 25 years growing its reputation across sectors ranging from healthcare and residential to commercial and infrastructure. Like much of the company’s work, its growing portfolio of sci-tech construction projects has been built on strong and long-lasting relationships.

“I’d like to think that the good work we’ve done on other sci-tech projects puts us in a strong position for future projects. I was actually involved in the Base building that’s right next door to UK Biobank [Base is a home for businesses from industries such as computer engineering, animation, light manufacturing, and gaming]. I feel very privileged to be involved with another project on the Manchester Science Park. Life sciences is such an exciting and rapidly emerging sector. Our experience does set us apart, and puts us in a good position to support similar projects. That’s one of the reasons we’re attending the Life Sciences Update event – to make ourselves available to anyone who wants to draw on our experience in the area.”

Unlocking projects. Adding value.

Life Sciences Update 2024 takes place at Manchester Hall on Bridge Street on 7 November, starting at 8am. The event will consider how the North West’s life sciences sector is performing, explore the main challenges in developing for the sector, and ask what makes a great lab.

Anthony and his Walker Sime colleagues will be there to catch up with existing clients and talk to others looking to get their science construction projects off the ground.

“Our work with Bruntwood SciTech & UK Biobank and across the wider Manchester Science Park, together with our involvement in projects in Liverpool and at the University of York’s Institute for Safe Autonomy, demonstrates that we understand the challenges and have the knowledge and experience to overcome them and make projects feasible,” he says.

“QS is often the key to unlocking these projects by adding value. It’s about challenging designers regarding the proposals they’ve put forward, and exploring different approaches to construction that deliver the vision while also delivering cost savings and greater value for the client. Achieving that isn’t easy, and it takes a trusted, safe pair of hands to find a way through that works for all stakeholders. That’s one of our greatest strengths.

“For anyone attending Life Sciences Update, I’d like to invite them to explore the sci-tech and other projects we’ve helped deliver, and then get in touch for a conversation.”

For nationwide multi-disciplinary construction consultancy, including Quantity Surveying, Project Management, Infrastructure Services, Regeneration Delivery, Construction Design Management, Bills of Quantities and more, call us on 0161 872 9955, email hello@wordpress-657849-6256491.cloudwaysapps.com or message us here.