New state-of-the-art technology could change how commercial property projects are developed.
Developer BAM Construction will be adopting its Building Information Modelling system, or known as BIM, in the building of a new £30 million sports centre in Huddersfield. The software not only helps in the design of a scheme but also builds a full programme of what materials are needed, when they needed to be delivered, and how facilities should be operated. This virtual system can then develop a single model for all developers and partners to work on. BIM has already been used on two other developments: the £60 million Leeds Arena and a new Rolls-Royce facility in Rotherham.
Work on the sports centre in Springwood is scheduled to begin in the summer, whilst the existing centre will be demolished so that a new Tesco supermarket can replace the store currently on Viaduct Street.
BAM regional director James Wimpenny said: ‘We will embed BIM into every project we win – no matter how big or small. Using BIM means a reduction in man hours, fewer wasted materials and a reduction in clashes and unforeseen problems.
“Stakeholders get an early three dimensional insight into the building they can look forward to – both internally and externally. They can formulate maintenance schedules to enable the building to perform at its best during use.”
A variety of other future projects are set to use the system such as Bradford College, the blade-casting site for Rolls Royce, and two other schemes in Hull. BAM has already signed a contract worth £2.8 million with software corporation Autodesk in order to offer the BIM service to all of its projects, both in the UK and across the world.
Hopes are that this system could change the way in which future commercial projects are both delivered and operated.