Changing Places facilities provide fully accessible toilet accommodation for people with profound and multiple disabilities, requiring specialist equipment and enhanced accessibility. The project therefore demanded careful planning, close stakeholder collaboration and a high standard of construction to ensure the facility remained fully compliant and operational following relocation.

In addition to relocating the modular unit, HBP delivered a comprehensive programme of enabling and public realm works to create a safe, accessible and welcoming environment for users.

Scope of Works
Working closely with Westmorland & Furness Council, HBP successfully delivered the complete package of works, including:

• Development of the construction methodology in accordance with the client’s functional specification.
• Specialist lifting, transportation and installation of the approximately 4.5-tonne modular Changing Places Unit.
• Removal of the existing play area surfacing.
• Site clearance, excavation and reduction of ground levels.
• Installation of new drainage infrastructure.
• Installation of utility ducting and service connections.
• Construction of reinforced concrete foundations.
• Installation and commissioning of the relocated Changing Places Unit.
• Construction of new tarmac footways and surrounding hard landscaping.
• Installation of benches, handrails and associated public realm improvements.
• Design, final testing, commissioning and handover.

Key Challenges and Our Approach
Throughout the project, HBP adopted a collaborative and proactive approach to successfully manage several key challenges.

The project design evolved during construction to reflect changing client requirements. Our experienced management team implemented an effective change management process, maintaining regular communication with Westmorland & Furness Council to ensure all design revisions were reviewed, costed and incorporated without affecting the overall programme or quality of the finished asset.

The relocation was undertaken within a constrained town centre environment where maintaining public safety was paramount. HBP developed a detailed Traffic Management Plan to safely coordinate specialist lifting operations, plant movements, deliveries and pedestrian management. Clearly segregated working areas, controlled access routes and continuous monitoring ensured construction activities were undertaken safely while minimising disruption to the surrounding area.

Working space on site was limited due to neighbouring contractor activities and restricted access. Through careful logistical planning, designated laydown areas, phased construction activities and close coordination with adjacent contractors, HBP maintained safe and efficient operations throughout the project.

Project Management
The project was managed by an experienced HBP delivery team, with programme, cost, quality and health and safety integrated throughout every stage of construction.

Regular progress meetings with Westmorland & Furness Council ensured complete transparency, allowing any issues to be identified and resolved promptly. Our collaborative working approach enabled informed decision-making, effective stakeholder communication and successful coordination of specialist lifting operations, utility connections and public realm works.

Quality inspections and hold points were incorporated throughout construction to ensure all works complied with the approved design, specification and relevant industry standards before progressing to subsequent stages.

Outcome
The project was successfully completed on programme and within the agreed budget, with no compromise to quality or safety.

The relocated Changing Places Unit now provides an accessible, modern facility in a more appropriate location, significantly improving accessibility for residents and visitors while enhancing the surrounding public realm.

Westmorland & Furness Council commended HBP for our collaborative approach, effective communication and professional management throughout the project, recognising our ability to successfully deliver a technically challenging scheme within a constrained live environment.

Demonstrated Capabilities
This project demonstrates HBP’s capability to:

• Successfully deliver complex public realm and civil engineering projects for Westmorland & Furness Council.
• Manage live public environments while maintaining the highest standards of health, safety and public protection.
• Coordinate specialist lifting operations and modular infrastructure installations.
• Effectively manage design development and changing client requirements.
• Deliver high-quality, accessible infrastructure that meets stakeholder expectations.
• Coordinate multiple work activities within constrained sites alongside other contractors.
• Complete projects safely, on time and within budget through proactive programme and stakeholder management.

This successful project reflects HBP’s commitment to collaborative working, quality delivery and providing lasting value to public sector clients. Our experience of delivering accessible infrastructure and public realm improvements provides confidence that we possess the technical expertise, resources and project management capability required to successfully deliver future schemes for Westmorland & Furness Council.