Design & Build of a Multi-Storey Car Park

The University of Brighton is seeking a suitably qualified and experienced contractor to design & build a multi-storey car park comprising of approximately 550 spaces, bike and motor cycle storage, and additional facilities including lockers, showers and changing areas. The car park is to be located on the university's Moulsecoomb campus in Brighton. The University of Brighton wishes to procure the design and build of a new multi storey car park structure (MSCP) which is to be located on the site of an existing surface car park located adjacent to existing academic buildings and also adjacent to a new proposed academic building (to be constructed after the MSCP). The proposed MSCP will provide c.550 spaces over 7 floors. Currently the design includes 17 disabled spaces and 55 active EV charging spaces with passive provision (i.e. containment routes) for 100 % provision in future. The proposed spaces measure 2,4 m x 4,8 m (disabled spaces measuring 3,6 m x 6 m). The proposed envelope has been based on a modified Vertical Circulation Module (VCM) layout with one-way aisles on the upper levels and 2 vertical firefighting cores. The proposed layout is currently based on a 4,8 m grid. Vehicle access is via a new access route from Lewes Road, with the vehicle entrance/exit on the southern elevation of the building. The current design for the ground floor of the MSCP incorporates secure storage for 330 bikes and motor cycles. This includes lockers, changing and showering facilities, a bin store, staff facilities and plant space. It also contains a high voltage switch room serving an adjacent forthcoming building. The proposed façade combines complete coverage of perforated metal panels to the upper floors with an additional green wall high-tensile cable system to allow climbing plants to “green” the building as per the outline consent. The cladding creates a parapet of minimum height 1 200 mm above the top deck FFL. The ground floor features some glazed areas and metal mesh cladding to the cycle storage areas. Planning permission is sought for a partial roof canopy, providing space for a solar photovoltaic array. It is intended that the MSCP will employ a natural ventilation strategy, with the exception of the inhabited areas e.g. changing facilities and offices. The building envelope has been designed to enable contractor innovation internally without affecting the outward appearance of the MSCP. The scheme will be designed up to RIBA Stage 3 based on the use of a steel frame and a composite deck, however alternative methods of construction (ie use of pre-cast decks) would be acceptable subject to any alternative method of construction not having a detrimental effect on the proposals. Likewise, alternatives to the frame as designed by Stripe to Stage 3 will be accepted on the same basis. It is the intention of the client and design team to allow experienced design and build contractors (with relevant experience associated with MSCPs) to bring efficient and innovative construction methods and design details to the project, which is the reason that the method of constructing structural frame and decks is not entirely set. Stripe will provide a solution which is viable and this option could be retained or substituted in part or in full subject to the performance of the building not being compromised. An appropriately scoped and detailed site investigation will be made available to the contractors prior to binding tender sums being requested. The foundation scheme is envisaged to be a piled solution but this is yet to be fully determined as reinforced concrete pads may offer an appropriate alternative. The site will be compact and contractors should consider any constraints associated and methods or actions required to mitigate this. Outline planning permission for the wider masterplan including the MSCP was obtained in September 2017 (planning application reference BH2017/00492). A detailed planning application has been prepared by the University’s design team and will be submitted in early 2018. The MSCP is the first development in a wider masterplan scheme for the University and is key to unlocking further sites.