Design and fit-out company Area Sq has been given a bronze award from the Considerate Constructors Scheme for its work with Motability Operations in south east London. Over 9000 sites were in the running for a 2014 award, yet less than 10% received such recognition.

Area Sq and Motability picked up the award at a recent ceremony at Plaisterers’ Hall in London. Winning firms not only have to demonstrate to CCS representatives how they adhere to a five point Code of Considerate Practice, but evidence where they exceed requirements. The Code advocates: care about appearance, respect the community, protect the environment, secure employees’ safety and value the workforce. 

Area Sq’s Motability London project ran from January 2012 to May 2014 and comprised a redesign and refurbishment of 60,000 sq ft over eight floors with 40 contractors undertaking category A and B fit-outs. Around 400 staff continued working in the building in Southwark Bridge Road.

To minimise disruption, Area Sq created separate access points on every floor and moved staff one floor at a time. Existing facilities such as heating, air-conditioning, ventilation, reception areas, meeting rooms and communal spaces, were maintained while new sections were prepared. 

Area Sq project manager Mark Turner comments: “We do more than just ‘tick the box’ to meet the CCS criteria, we endeavour to exceed the expectations of all involved and take a lead on environmental issues.

“With this project, we introduced fresh fruit Friday for contractors, local schools painted flowers on our hoardings, we donated wash bags containing shampoo, soap, a toothbrush and toothpaste to a homeless hostel, stationery to a local school and furniture and crates to schools and allotments. The Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors awarded the project a Ska Goldrating, we achieved a Very Good BREEAM rating and designed the whole facility in line with BS8300 disability exemplary guidelines.”

This is the second time Area Sq has been recognised as one of the most considerate constructors in the UK; a year ago the firm received a bronze award for its Enterprise rent-a-car project in Egham, Surrey. Area Sq is unrivalled in the number of gold Ska ratings it has achieved for clients - the tally now stands at 18.

www.fourfrontgroup.co.uk