BSP Consulting

It has invested £4.1 million in constructing the building, which provides self-contained accommodation that is flexible to meet the bedroom needs of the residents, with interlocking rooms which can be furnished and supplied with secure storage, providing a safe, warm, and comfortable space for residents. Each property has its own private outdoor space and a play area for children, and a caretaker will be on site ensuring the building stays in great shape.

Engineers at BSP provided RIBA Stage 4 & 5 technical design and construction stage works for the civil and structural design aspects of the site, which included external works design, drainage design, foundations and superstructure design.
The district council has prioritised energy efficiency, with PV solar panels installed on the site. Green energy, along with the significant levels of insulation, will mean that Alexander Lodge will be energy efficient, warm and cheaper to heat.

Councillor Lee Brazier, Portfolio Holder for Housing at Newark and Sherwood District Council, said: “This facility is modern and will enable the council to deliver a strong homelessness support service, with a focus on helping residents achieve longer-term tenancy success. We look forward to welcoming residents to Alexander Lodge and helping them to achieve their goals.”

Key challenges and engineering solutions

This site has had a few constraints that we needed to design within.

There is a large bank around the south east and west of the site our client wished to be retained. The is a large 750mm diameter public combined sewer in the bank on the west side of the site and a 225mm combined sewer on the south on the edge of the bank. The depth and distance of these sewers from foundations and proposed drainage had to be carefully designed.

Our client wanted the site to have sustainable surface water drainage as per the previous site use, although initial ground test results indicated this may be difficult. With additional investigation work BSP was able to provide a private soakaway system for the buildings and parking areas in accordance with current design requirements.

Find out more about the project here:

https://www.newark-sherwooddc.gov.uk/latest-news/2024/july/alexander-lodge-official-open-day/