FORENSCIC LABORATORYS AT AVON AND SOMERSET CONSTABULARY HQ, PORTISHEAD

The project comprises the creation of two new laboratory facilities on the ground floor of an existing building on the Force Headquarters site at Portishead, North Somerset.

The accommodation presently includes a single laboratory and associated service areas, with additional office accommodation that will be converted to form one new laboratory. The existing laboratory will be enlarged and refurbishment of existing facilities will complete the project. Specialist sub-contractors will be required for the supply of laboratory furniture, laboratory equipment and racking, as well as electrical and mechanical services.

The works will be carried out in two phases. Phase One, ten weeks, will comprise the conversion of existing office accommodation to form a new Drugs laboratory with additional refurbishment of existing rooms. Phase Two, eight weeks, will commence one week after completion of Phase One, and comprise alterations and refurbishment of the existing laboratory. There will be a period of one week between Phase One completion and Phase Two commencement, during which the contractor will be required to move their site compound, including cabins and any services connections to a new location.

The works will take place within the secure area of the site and all supervisory staff and operatives will be required to undergo a security vetting procedure, which can take up to six weeks to complete. The successful contractor will be required to include this period within their programme for the works. Arrangements for deliveries and collections will also need to be co-ordinated with site security.

The contractor will be given vacant occupation for the working areas. However, the building will remain in full occupation elsewhere and in use on a 24/7 basis. Special arrangements will be required to carry out noisy works and some out-of-hours working will be required for works affecting areas outside the site perimeter.

It is anticipated the successful tenderer will be ap