Bruntwood SciTech, Enterprise Wharf

Project Summary

Based in the city’s Knowledge Quarter, Enterprise Wharf is Birmingham’s first smart-enabled building. The building offers 12,000 ft² of contemporary, flexible office space across 10 floors. It features a large, open-plan reception / collaboration space, bicycle storage, shower and kit-dying facilities, and a rooftop garden, and has been designed with modern digital and technology businesses in mind. Outdoor public realm and landscaping creates a new route to the nearby Birmingham and Fazeley Canal.

What makes it ‘smart’, you ask? A single interface combines several building management systems, allowing their usage to be optimised through one central, visual dashboard. This allows the most efficient use of heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC), lighting, and CCTV.

MGAC's Role

MGAC provided project management and cost management services for this project. We gathered tenders from construction subcontractors, and ensured that any adjustments to implementation kept within initial design objectives, delivering on the promise of an optimal office experience.

Challenges

The purchase and fitting of smart technologies presented an exciting challenge for the contractor teams, collectively. We embraced the challenge, knowing there may be a few surprises along the way.

Success Factors

MGAC had a wealth of experience with commercial development before taking on this project. We are well-versed in its desired outcomes, and the need to balance comfort and functionality for tenants with the needs of the client. We have also worked on science + technology projects, with our team currently involved in world-class site developments for Strathclyde University. Overseeing the fitting of smart features alongside construction felt like a logical next step to expand our repertoire.