MSM Contracts have recently commenced a major extension project at the Holiday Inn Express in University Street, Belfast, for our client, Andras House. The five-storey annexe will comprise two levels of covered car parking and 63nr guestrooms over three floors, with the existing hotel remaining fully open throughout the contract period.

This contract is the second major Belfast hotel project that MSM are currently carrying out for Andras House with the newbuild 178-bed Hampton by Hilton hotel in Belfast city-centre currently six months into a 20-month construction programme.

Construction works on the Holiday Inn Express are due to complete during Spring 2018. The design team are Todd Architects (architectural); Philip Rodgers Design (interiors); Johnston Houston (QS & principal designer); Ian Black Consulting (structural & civil) and Caldwell Consulting Engineers (services).

The works are being carried out within the existing hotel car park and will be phased to minimise the impact on hotel guests and staff.

Key elements of the construction works will include:
– demolition of the existing two-deck reinforced concrete car park and removal of underground fuel tank
– CFA piling works and reinforced concrete pilecaps and ground beams
– reinforced concrete superstructure frame
– lightweight steel continuous walling system with external façade systems
– Trocal flat roof coverings
– PPC aluminium glazing; steel doorsets
– complete interior fit-out works to all 63nr guestrooms, en-suite bathrooms and circulation areas
– refurbishment/interior fit-out of the existing hotel ground floor including entrance lobby with seated areas, reception and dining area/servery
– a steel-framed link bridge will connect the newbuild extension to the existing hotel on three levels
– construction of plant rooms

We are pleased to report that construction works are progressing well on the Ballyhenry Manor residential development in Comber, Co Down, following the commencement of site operations in early January 2017. This residential development for our client, Rosemount Homes, comprises 9nr units in Phase 1 and is due for completion in September 2017.

Phase 1 involves 4nr house types:

– The Scrabo, 4-bed detached dwelling – 1nr unit
– The Enler, 4-bed detached dwelling – 1nr unit
– The Strangford, 4-bed detached dwelling – 1nr unit
– The Andrews, 3-bed semi-detached dwelling – 6nr units

The Rosemount Homes project brochure states:
“These new homes are characterised by spacious, modern interiors with a high-quality specification and finishes throughout.

Finished in traditional masonry construction with brickwork, painted render or stone cladding, the exteriors fit effortlessly into the backdrop of their surrounding area. With private in curtilage parking and rear gardens, homeowners can also benefit from their own outdoor space.”

Construction works carried out to date have included a major cut & fill earthmoving operation involving over 6,000m3 material, installation of main drainage lines and hardcore sub-base to the access road, completion of substructure works to all dwellings and superstructure works to 6nr dwellings underway.

A further 26 units are planned over Phases 2 and 3 with overall completion due by Autumn 2018.