Due to the scale and complexity of the redevelopment of Bracknell Town Centre, coupled with a short timeframe in which to deliver, it was apparently crucial to appoint an experienced specialist contractor with an established supply chain. Prater began work on site in 2015 and the project team’s collaborative working ethos has reportedly played a fundamental role in the success of the roofing and façade packages.
The extensive and long-awaited £200 million redevelopment programme included the construction of a 580,000 ft2 retail and leisure site in the north of Bracknell Town Centre.
Having worked together previously on a number of high-profile projects, including Gatwick Airport’s North Terminal, Tate Modern and the South Bank Tower, Mace appointed Prater to deliver the external envelope for all eight buildings at Bracknell Town Centre.
With the size and complexity of the work faced, Prater reportedly brought value to the project and was able to provide 20 internal designers to work on Bracknell Town Centre.
With each of the buildings featuring individually bespoke façade and roofing finishes, a collaborative approach was required to avoid issues and maintain the tight build programme. Prater is said to have worked closely with Mace and key supply chain partners such as Bailey for the Fenwick panel system, BTS for rainscreen panels and RW Simon for louvres.
Reportedly, one of the key challenges for the project was the façade design on the Fenwick building. Having already been initially changed from a stone cladding system to a 5mm aluminium alternative, the client Fenwick then decided upon something different much further along into the design process.
Prater was given the task of developing a design concept and turning it into a working reality that would achieve the desired aesthetic. Working closely with Bailey, the team developed a perforated aluminium panel system featuring the unusual effect of floating panels.
Carl Wright, project director at Mace, commented: “We need to know we can rely on our partners, have good relationships with them and that they can deliver when required. Prater is a major company in our supply chain.”
Aaron Hill, senior project manager at Prater, added: “We needed full co-operation and collaboration from our supply chain to develop and deliver this project on time and to the highest possible standard. By engaging our partners at the design stage, on-site operations have been smoother. We are incredibly proud of our work, and as far as we are concerned – the successful outcome would not have been possible without our supply chain partners.”
To see the project video below:
