PROJECT
THE PAPER EXCHANGE, BELFAST
BUILT TO INTERNATIONAL COMMERCIAL PROPERTY STANDARDS BY HERON BROS, THE PAPER EXCHANGE IS A LANDMARK BUSINESS SPACE FOR NORTHERN IRELAND… THE PAPER EXCHANGE: BELFAST’S WORLD- CLASS GRADE A OFFICE DEVELOPMENT
A ward-winning contractor and most significant new Grade A office developments with the completion of The Paper Exchange building on Chichester Street. The 11-storey office block comprises a concrete and steel frame structure with brick, render and striking façade of ‘Scorched Earth’ aluminium rainscreen panels and glazed screens. Key features include an eye-catching, double- property developer, Heron Bros Ltd has delivered one of Belfast’s height ground floor entrance lobby, six passenger lifts, core areas encompassing toilets and a Category A fit-out on Level 8, designed for showcasing purposes to potential tenants.
Located in the heart of the city centre at 43-63 Chichester Street, the Grade A office scheme can accommodate up to 2,000 people and represents a major boost in confidence for international investment in Belfast. CHALLENGES AND SOLUTIONS The project encountered substantial challenges, notably the early onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, which prompted implementation of a meticulous set of Safe Operating Procedures to ensure the safety of workers. Additionally, challenges arising from Brexit and the war in Ukraine impacted material access, necessitating strategic planning to circumvent increased lead times.
Space constraints posed another challenge, and made material ordering and delivery planning a daily task. JP Higgins, Heron Bros Associate Director, explained, “As there was limited space on site, we split the build into two phases. The concrete frame (Phase 1) was prioritised over the steel frame (Phase 2) to give us additional footprint to bring in and set down materials. When we lost this space, the ‘Just in Time’ delivery method was the only way we could keep critical tasks moving and so planning was key. The site team excelled on this front.” Heron Bros adopted an innovative 4D programming strategy, collaborating early with main package sub-contractors to devise an optimal sequence of works.
“We take great pride in providing a world-class space at the heart of Belfast City Centre on a previously derelict site.”
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