You might have seen our announcement last year – we were thrilled to win the CEDA Grand Prix Project Management Excellence Award for our work on The OWO! This blog post dives into how we tackled the unique challenges of this incredible project. From navigating the complexities of a Grade II*-listed building to ensuring smooth collaboration with all stakeholders, we'll share the key strategies that led to our success.
The OWO, a landmark transformation of the former Old War Office building in Whitehall, is a testament to meticulous planning and exceptional project management. This iconic project, home to 9 destination restaurants and bars, a 120-room hotel, and 85 residences, recently earned Vision Commercial Kitchens the prestigious CEDA Grand Prix Project Management Excellence Award. This award recognizes our commitment to delivering projects with precision, efficiency, and a focus on client satisfaction.
The OWO presented unique challenges. As a Grade II*-listed building, it demanded a delicate balance between honoring its historical significance and integrating modern infrastructure. Navigating these complexities required a robust project management strategy and a collaborative approach with all stakeholders.
Facing the Challenges
The OWO project presented a unique set of challenges, primarily driven by the building's historical significance and the complexities of working within a Grade II*-listed structure.
"Working within an existing grade II listed building there were walls and openings that couldn’t be moved plus various parts were covered under a heritage status for the building," explains Colin Pepperell, Project Manager at Vision Commercial Kitchens. These restrictions significantly impacted the project's scope and required careful planning and creative problem-solving.
For example, accessing the Pastry & Chocolate Rooms involved navigating an 800mm wide door, necessitating the redesign of large pastry equipment to fit through the narrow opening.
Overcoming Obstacles
These challenges demanded a proactive and adaptable approach.
The team meticulously reviewed plans and explored innovative solutions to overcome these constraints while maintaining the integrity of the historic building.
Key Strategies for Success
A key decision that proved instrumental to the project's success was the proactive approach to equipment procurement. "The main contractor experienced delays due to the strict regulations associated with working on a Grade II* listed building," explains Colin Pepperell, Project Manager at Vision Commercial Kitchens. "To mitigate this risk, we proactively vested all the necessary equipment in our warehouse. This ensured that the equipment was readily available when needed and prevented potential cost increases that could have arisen from delays in the construction phase."
This proactive measure mitigated the risk of project delays impacting equipment costs and ensured a smooth and timely installation once the construction phase progressed.
Furthermore, effective communication and collaboration were paramount throughout the project. Regular meetings with the main contractor, Ardmore Group, allowed the team to identify and address potential challenges proactively. This open dialogue ensured that any issues were resolved swiftly, minimising disruption to the project timeline.
Leveraging Project Management Technology
To streamline operations, Vision Commercial Kitchens utilized project management tools such as 4Projects for drawing approvals and QA sign-offs, Datascope for managing inductions and deliveries, and Site Audit Pro for documenting site progress. These tools enhanced efficiency and communication, facilitating smooth project execution.
Key Learnings
The OWO project provided valuable insights and lessons that have shaped Vision Commercial Kitchens' approach to future projects.
Increased On-Site Presence: "Large sites like these require a lot more time and presence from the project management team on site," explains Colin Pepperell. "We have to be more involved in all aspects of the project."
Enhanced Warehouse Capacity: Recognising the logistical challenges associated with large-scale projects, Vision has expanded its warehouse capacity, including the addition of a mezzanine and the procurement of a new building. This increased storage capacity allows for more efficient procurement and logistics, minimizing potential delays and ensuring timely project delivery.
Conclusion
The OWO project stands as a testament to Vision Commercial Kitchens' commitment to delivering exceptional results, even in the face of complex challenges. The successful completion of this project, culminating in the prestigious CEDA Grand Prix Project Management Excellence Award, underscores our dedication to rigorous planning, proactive risk management, and a client-centric approach.
Vision Commercial Kitchens continues to leverage the valuable lessons learned from the OWO project to refine our project management methodologies and deliver outstanding outcomes for all our clients.
To learn more about how Vision Commercial Kitchens can assist you with your next commercial kitchen project, please contact us today!
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