Bovis appointed CM for London estates

Bovis has been appointed construction manager by Waltham Forest Housing Action Trust for the next phase of the œ250 million redevelopment programme of four north London estates. The construction work for Phase 2 is worth œ45 million with Bovis's contract running for 37 months.

Bovis was previously employed to oversee the design and build packages undertaken by Alfred McAlpine and Willmott Dixon on the first phase. WFHAT has switched from the design and build form used in Phase 1 to directly managed packages as it is seeking greater control in achieving its goals for quality of construction and site management, local employment and procurement and value for money.

The HAT also believes there are considerable benefits to be gained by serial purchasing in a direct management context, especially as it offers a wide choice of fixtures and fittings for each new home.

The design and build route was chosen initially because of the advantages of securing certainty of cost and programme at an early stage. The low construction and tender costs available at the time work began on Phase 1 in 1992 also encouraged the HAT to take the D&B route.

The Waltham Forest project involves the redevelopment of four separate estates in five phases over an eight to 10 year programme.