PACE RAIL
HS2 Old Oak Common (NR/SRSA)
Jonathan Fernandez – Programme Integration and Delivery Manager
In 2022, a strategic reassessment of the delivery approach and methodology for the Liverpool Street roof refurbishment was conducted.
This intervention led to a significant program benefit, reducing the forecast project construction timeline by approximately 30 months. Furthermore, it generated a cost saving of approximately £18.2 million, forecasting the project ability to complete the roof works within the available roof budget.
This successful outcome was achieved through challenging conventional practices, making bold decisions, and maintaining close collaboration with the Executive team. A determined mindset and belief in achieving a better value outcome were instrumental in realising these substantial benefits.
THE PROJECT Background
The Need for Change
Liverpool Street Station - one of Britain's busiest transport hubs - faced significant challenges due to its aging roof system. Water ingress and an increasing number of cracked glass panels necessitated a comprehensive renewal project. The roof area covers two principal sections: the old roof over platforms 1-10 and the main roof transept, and the new roof covering the concourse and adjoining areas. In 2022, the project was halted and placed under review due to significant concerns about escalating costs and disruptive methodology. The original delivery approach relied on a substantial vertical scaffold access system erected from the station platforms and service road, which presented several critical issues:
• Platform Constraints:
Scaffold would severely restrict passenger flow, hinder Persons with Reduced Mobility (PRM) management, and negatively impact platform emergency evacuation times.
• Operational Disruption:
Installing and removing the scaffold was estimated to require over 4,000 hours of possession access, causing significant disruption to railway operations.
• Scope Uncertainty:
The full scope of roof work was not precisely defined before commencing scaffold work, with significant cost risk remaining. Recognising these challenges, Capital Delivery recommended a fundamental change in the project's delivery methodology and organisation - based on thorough assessment of alternatives, market testing, specialist consultation, and a return to core project management principles.
PACE
Challenges
Challenges
The scheme was unaffordable current configuration high levels scope uncertainty
Engineering challenges due to the scaffold imposing platforms constraints and reducing evacuation performance
Impact on operations and passengers due to platform constraints
Impact on operations and passengers due to possession access
Uncertainty on scheme length, estimated 3-4 years
Roof known to have failing members under stressed loads preventing alternative load imposing solutions
What was the impact
The scheme could not progress knowing it could be delivered within budget.
Scheme may have had to abort scaffolding had it commenced to install the scaffold as planned for Christmas 2022
Service / train length reduced for a number of services, ped flow issues and increased safety risk on platforms.
Reduced services into and out of Liverpool Street for 3-4 years.
The impact of the scaffold on the platforms and service impact could have gone on for a further 1.5 years based on risk analysis.
The designer aborted looking further at suspended access or other access solutions where there was load transferred to the structure, this prevents vertical segregation of works
Approach concept
Propose innovative approach and confirm scope prior to proceeding
Remove scaffold from platforms
remove scaffold from platforms
Base the methodology on a principal priority of possession access minimisation and minimal customer impact
nderstand the scope and provide a robust programme of reduced duration
Transfer the load to the structure where there is enough load capacity
SUCCESS FACTOR
Reimagining delivery methodology on one of Britain's busiest live stations
Several key success factors underpinned the project's performance:
• Reliable Expert Advice: Access to expert advice for critiquing concepts and providing alternative options was crucial for informed decision-making.
• Change Management: Effective stakeholder engagement, communication, and a strong value case were essential to overcome resistance to change.
• Leadership Support and Sponsorship: Strong leadership support enabled project progression and justification, particularly in managing cost exposure during the phased implementation.
• Determination and Perseverance: The team's resilience and determination were vital in overcoming numerous challenges and maintaining focus.
• Creativity and Innovation: A creative and innovative approach was essential for undertaking structure and condition assessments without scaffolding and for the success of the scaffold design.
• Robust System Safety Approach: Prioritizing safety and minimizing risk to the operational environment and passengers was paramount, with continuous review of the system safety and hazard review process.