First Capital Connect

Brief description

The client, First Capital Connect identified that support was needed for the project and appointed Vextrix to undertake an enhanced Quantity Surveying role.

Through our experience we were able to guide the client to create a robust contract and identify risks and opportunities in their current one.

With various funding streams, issuing progress reports to all partners was essential for this project.  We also assisted with legal contracts between Network Rail and the client when installing an electrical sub-station, buying land and moving gas mains.

As the project was over a change in Train Operating Company (TOC), we assisted in the novation of contracts for the contractor from First Capital Connect to Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR).

Due to tight constraints in the working environment, we managed the design and construction methodology reviews to ensure we remained within the working constraints.  It was essential that all work was completed to ensure the station and lines remained open at their usual times – working with the contractor post contract to ensure costs did not escalate was critical to this project.

Lessons Learnt

• Early involvement with the TOC for any project is essential to ensure the correct contracts are created from the outset
• Involvement in progress meetings was key to fully understand the project so that questions could be asked.