Brent PF I

The Brent Housing PFI, developed in conjunction with Brent Coefficient – a subsidiary of Hyde Housing – is an excellent example of our approach because it demonstrates partners engaging and collaborating with multiple clients, some of whom are extremely vulnerable.

To achieve this, Bouygues UK, as the construction partner, integrated with the Council, Hyde Housing as Housing Manager, Ian Williams, the Facilities Management contractor, and the care providers – the most important clients - to develop a product which met client needs as well as demanding standards at handover and into the future.

Bouygues UK was at the centre of the consultation process to make sure these issues were addressed by:

• Early discussion with the client and advisors in terms of standards
• Engaging with the residents and their carers to establish how we would consult with them in developing the design of the new facility and own rooms
• Appointing and working with a design champion, who had skills in producing this type of facility and were aware of the sensitivity of developing the design with resident input
• Arranging visits to established extra care facilities to identify concepts and practical solutions which could be incorporated into design
• Simplifying the design process in order that the residents could understand and influence design by using an interactive model which incorporated sound, colour and sensory effects
• Keeping them appraised of progress and arranging visits
• Involving residents in choices wherever possible in terms of fittings and finishes

As a consequence of this approach, Bouygues UK has developed a project which is achieving high levels of satisfaction from the client, the residents, their carers and other members of the partnership. Most importantly by working together with our partners Bouygues UK has mitigated anxiety and concern for a very vulnerable group of people.