K2 completes phase 2 of ColArt office fit-out

K2 have project managed the transformation of this exacting fit-out of an existing industrial unit in West London into a high specification headquarters building.

The client, art materials company, ColArt International Holding Ltd, specialises in meeting the creative colouring needs of artists, children and crafters and consequently much importance has been given to satisfying their requirements for specific attention to detail.

The purpose-built accommodation comprising of 25,000 sq. ft. was transformed into a multi-use space that was more than just an office.

K2 provided Project Management, Cost Management, Management Consultancy, Project Planning and Design co-ordination services.

ColArt now has an art gallery, hospitality area, product shelving area, open office space, an archive room storing precious artwork and a state of the art pod providing housing for office equipment, water station and wardrobe. It also has a research laboratory which is used for the development of new pigments and manufacturing technology and consequently new innovative products.

The office has a number of conference rooms which accommodate meetings of various sizes. Because of the artistic nature of the company, there are many ‘artsy’ elements throughout the office like wall graphics, colourful accents, and of course an art gallery that displays work from local artists.

Jane Beeston, Group HR Director at ColArt International Holdings LTD said: 

"This is the second project that K2 have managed on our behalf.  They have acted as the design guardian to maintain the overall strategic intent of our brand, provided commercial intelligence to ensure the best value without compromising on quality and delivered the project from concept to a timely completion.  The new environment meets the creative colouring needs of artists, children and crafters and provides invaluable space for our growing business.  K2 are extremely professional and provided the care and expertise that we needed to ensure smooth and successful delivery of this important project."     

Bally Kalsi, Project Manager for K2 said:

"We are thrilled to have been a part of creating such an exciting project in the development of ColArt Headquarters.  Not only have we helped to create an environment that meets the creative colour needs of artists, children and crafters, but the project has helped establish our credibility in delivering high specification in the commercial refurbishment and fit-out sector. We aim to always focus on a professional high quality completion and are able to manage numerous stakeholders involved."

About K2 :

K2 is a leading construction consultancy providing project management, cost advice and project planning in the Real Estate and Infrastructure sectors, including residential, health and commercial property, to owners and business occupiers.  In September 2014, K2 Consultancy merged their Quantity Surveying activities with Rider Hunt (London) to form a new specialist cost management business K2 Rider Hunt (London) based in Farringdon. Offices are in Gatwick and London.

                        

K2 completes new student accommodation in Portsmouth

K2 Consultancy is pleased to have issued practical completion on the 836 bedroom student accommodation development at Greetham Street, Portsmouth for Unite Students.

The striking 25 storey high-rise is an impressive feature on the Portsmouth city skyline which will now provide a home-away-from-home for Portsmouth University students.

Construction works began in December 2014, with a 20-month build programme, that was delivered on time and budget.

K2 conducted a detailed inspection of every room within the building, working with the contractor RG Group over a 12-week period.  The building was successfully handed over to the Unite Operations team on the 1st August and students will occupy the building from early September 2016.

Entrance

Unite Students employed K2 Consultancy as Project Managers, Employer's Agent and Cost Consultants for this scheme.  K2 were heavily involved at all stages of the project from planning, design, construction and handover.

The development is neighboured by network rail, Council offices, existing student accommodation buildings and part of the development oversails a public highway. K2 successfully liaised with and managed all stakeholders in this project to ensure that the building could be built without difficulty.

The development also compromises a Portsmouth City Council Market store which will be occupied by 12 local businesses.


K2 ensured that the Council's detailed specifications were adhered to during construction, which has resulted in an exceptional facility for the Council and local businesses.


Chris Sorenti, Senior Project Manager for Unite Students said:

“The completion of the new Unite development in Portsmouth will represent a significant addition to our portfolio. This new scheme will support our ambition to grow our market share of competitively priced student accommodation in Portsmouth where demand exceeds supply.  It has been a pleasure to work with K2 Consultancy, who have strived to deliver outstanding service to us in the past and this is no exception."

Matthew Loughlin, K2 Consultancy Director commented:

“We aim to always focus on a professional high-quality completion and are able to manage numerous stakeholders involved.  This represents one of the three schemes we are managing for Unite."

Paul Jackson, Project Manager for K2 added:

“Greetham Street Portsmouth proved to be a challenging and rewarding project.  Despite the obstacles faced by the team, through a combination of careful collaboration with the client Unite Group and team, the issues were overcome to make this high profile project a great success. The size and location of the impressive project demonstrate K2’s ability to secure major schemes throughout the country and fulfil our client’s needs effectively.”

Team hand over 

About K2:
K2 is a leading construction consultancy providing project management, cost advice and project planning in the Real Estate and Infrastructure sectors, including residential, health and commercial property, to owners and business occupiers.  In September 2014, K2 Consultancy merged their Quantity Surveying activities with Rider Hunt (London) to form a new specialist cost management business K2 Rider Hunt (London) based in Farringdon. Offices are in Gatwick and London.

A great place to study

K2 sponsoring 12 hour Lawn Mower race

Maxi is number 14

K2 are pleased to be co-sponsoring the 12 hour Lawn Mower race that our Project Manager
Max Fandrejewski will be taking part in on the 6th August.

Starting at 8pm, driving through the night with 2 team mates, Max and his team will be aiming for a podium finish in their class, a top 10 position overall and to beat their distance record of 288 miles.

The British Lawn Mower Racing Association (BLMRA) is organising the 12 Hour Lawn Mower Race being held at Five Oaks, West Sussex. The annual 12 Hour endurance race is the jewel in the racing calendar, one that draws huge crowds and whose fame has spread throughout the world.

The BLMRA is a non-profit making association and relies on the generosity of a variety of companies all wishing to be ‘associated with’ this event.

This combined support has raised in the region of £60,000 in recent years to Brinsbury College Special Needs Unit, Various Cancer Charities, The British Heart Foundation and Avert. This year, the chosen charity is again Ingfield Manor School for Children with Cerebral Palsy.

911 new homes at Gilden Way, Harlow

K2 Consultancy are currently providing project management for a development of 911 homes, being delivered by Persimmons Homes, Taylor Wimpey East London and Barratt David Wilson North London.