60 Queens Road, Reading

Project Overview

Client
University College of Estate Management (UCEM)

Scheme
60 Queens Road, Reading

Asset Class
Offices

Size
23,000 sq ft net internal area

Type
Acquisition, refurbishment, fit-out and relocation

UCEM appointed Taurus in December 2014 to manage its relocation to new, as yet unidentified, premises in Reading after over 40 years of occupation at The University of Reading campus.

UCEM’s proposed move after so many years marked a significant milestone in its history, reflecting its independence as an academic institution with its own taught degree awarding powers and progression to full University status.

Starting with a blank canvas, Taurus’s role has covered all stages from inception to completion including:

  • Establishing the project brief
  • Establishing the project budget
  • Assessing current and future working standards and environments through staff consultation
  • Undertaking the property search
  • Negotiating terms on preferred building options
  • Managing pre-acquisition due diligence
  • Securing exchange of contracts on 60 Queens Road, Reading
  • Procuring professional consultant services for architecture, building services, cost consultancy, fit-out and project management through competitive tendering
  • Managing the professional consultant team in establishing the scope, detail and design of the refurbishment and fit-out works
  • Managing the main build contract tender process and contractor appointment
  • Managing the refurbishment and fit out works to ensure contractor conformity to the agreed design through to practical completion in June 2016
  • Managing the physical move of UCEM to the refurbished 60 Queens Road in July 2016

Timeline

  • December 2014
    Taurus appointed by UCEM
  • August 2015
    Exchanged contracts to acquire 60 Queens Road, Reading
  • December 2015
    Completion of acquisition of 60 Queens Road, Reading
  • January 2016
    Start on site of full refurbishment and fit-out works
  • June 2016
    Practical completion of full refurbishment and fit-out works
  • July 2016
    Physical move and UCEM relocation to 60 Queens Road, Reading

Michael has been a rock throughout the eighteen month project and his ultra-professional, pragmatic, positive and level-headed approach has been a key ingredient in the success of this project. I would like to express my sincerest thanks to Michael for his expert advice and patience throughout this process.

Ashley Wheaton

Principal, University College of Estate Management
UCEM