SE Duct Works

This notice is raised as Early Market Engagement only and does not constitute a call for competition.

PCH are seeking to engage with suitably experienced Contractors to replace the existing SE duct cowls to 3nr fifteen-storey apartment Towers in Plymouth.

Works are currently ongoing to reclad the existing Towers which excludes any works to the SE ducts. Replacement of the SE duct cowls will be the final phase which will commence once the recladding Contractor has withdrawn from site. Works to the SE ducts are programmed to commence in May/June 2021 and should be complete before September 2021 to avoid the requirement for temporary heating.

The 'SE ducts' are a communal gas flue system commonly used around the mid-20th Century. Each of the Towers benefit from four SE ducts; two larger SE ducts serve gas-fired warm air heaters from 30nr apartments with two smaller ducts serving 15nr apartments each (90nr apartments in total per Tower).

The works comprise coordinating isolation and capping of gas services to each apartment (phased per duct/Tower), road closures and crane lifting new duct cowls to roof level, demolition of existing concrete cowls and supporting structure, formation of new waterproofing upstands, supply and installation of new SE duct cowls, isolated flat roof works around each cowl and recommissioning of gas connection/appliances (full purge) through each Tower together with all associated temporary works and any other works clearly apparent as being necessary for the safe and proper completion of the works.

Qualified gas operatives will be required to apply and obtain 'approved contractor status' from the PCH gas team prior to being able to work on any gas appliances. A working knowledge and justifiable experience of working on Johnson Starley warm air heaters is essential given that this is the predominant form of heating throughout the apartments.

The Main Contractor will be responsible for undertaking the Resident Liaison Officer role to gain access to each apartment to undertake the gas isolation/recommissioning work and Principal Contractor duties under the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015.

Contractors should have experience of undertaking the Resident Liaison Officer role and managing gas safety works.

Separate to the Main Contractor PCH also intend to contract with a Flue Specialist and have issued a separate PIN notice for this however we would consider multiple modes of delivery of this project.