​Location: Surrey
Services: Cost Management
Value: Undisclosed
Completion: 2023

This project encompassed the design,fabrication, and installation of a dedicated new permanent exhibition in the refurbished Old Laboratory building the RHS Wisley gardens in Surrey. The Old Laboratory building is an iconic, grade-II listed landmark at the gardens. It was originally built in 1916 in a distinctive arts-and-craft style and was the centre for training of horticulture students and apprentices for decades. It was instrumental in the garden’s scientific work, research and education, before these functions were moved to new dedicated facilities.

Fraser Randall were appointed to carry out the cost management, contract administration, and principal designer services. We worked with the Client and Design Team through the design stages, carrying out detailed cost assessments, proactively working with the Client to seek best value for money, and engaging with the Design Team through value engineering. A crucial part of our role was leading coordination between the preceding basebuild phase works, which had a separate consultant team, and the exhibition & fit-out phase to ensure full scope delineation and technical coordination between the phases.

We led the procurement process for the project, preparing and issuing tender documents, evaluating returns, and leading interviews and negotiations with tenderers. We worked in close coordination with the contractor, client and design team through the construction stage, maintaining diligent cost control, proactively identifying, flagging and addressing cost risks and early warnings, and providing prompt and accurate cost reports to the Client. Our role was crucial to delivering the project on time and on budget, achieving excellent value-for-money for a permanent exhibition, while delivering a high-quality and
well received visitor experience.