McGrath Associates were appointed by the YHA to undertake a Prior to Painting external survey of this Youth Hostel, draw up a specification for competitive Tender and manage the works through to completion. The works were predominantly timber repair works with some minor rainwater goods replacement followed by a complete external redecoration with some of the original sliding sash windows stripped back to bare timber.  The works were completed on time to a very high standard by the successful contractor, D Franklin Decorators Limited, and the detailed inspection and careful management of the project resulted in a saving on the client’s original budget.

This was the first property bought by the YHA in 1931 and, while the original farmhouse retains its character, it has been extended and modernised. It’s a 15-minute walk to Grasmere’s town centre, making this a secluded spot for walkers with virtually no passing traffic.

There are routes to suit all levels of abilities – hikers will want to head into the hills but there are nine lakes and tarns within reach for those wanting shorter expeditions. Wainwright’s Coast-to-Coast long-distance path also passes the front door.

 Job Centre Plus Offices, Newtown, Powys – Internal Alterations and Refurbishment Works

McGrath Associates were commissioned by Trillium as Building Surveyors & Project Managers for the internal alteration works at the JCP Offices in Newtown, Powys.  The client was vacating existing offices on the first floor and the ground floor was completely redesigned to accomodate the existing staff and the staff relocating from the first floor.  The works were undertaken over a period of 10 weeks utilising a carefully phased approach to ensure the business was unaffected.  The result is a modern office space carefully designed with the occupiers needs accomodated for and the added Client benefit of income from the vacated first floor.

“The work by the Project Manager on this project was exemplary.  In terms of management, the quality of the work and liaison with the Business, the Project went extremely well. It was a pleasure to work with McGrath Associates” – Bill Cainan, DWPE Estates, Cardiff (May 2009).

Reserve Forces & Cadet Association
for the North West of England & The Isle of Man
External Refurbishment of Ardwick Green T.A. Centre, Manchester 2008
• Cherry Picker Survey of complete external elevations;
• Photographic and written record of condition fully cross referenced to main elevation photographs;
• Dismantling and reconstruction of Main Tower;
• Dismantling and reconstruction of Chimneys;
• Dismantling and reconstruction of battlement stones;
• General repairs to isolated stone sections and replacement of sections beyond repair;
• Isolated re-pointing;
• Full cleaning of building using the DOFF system;
• Flat roof repairs and recovering with Polymer System
Due to the nature of the works, and the building fronting a main road and a pedestrian street, the building was fully scaffolded with key areas wrapped in debris netting.
Main Tower
• The main tower was dismantled and rebuilt due to movement;
• Being a Grade II Listed building, the works were undertaken following consultation with the local Conservation Officer both before and during the works;
• All stones were numbered and recorded during the dismantling process to ensure correct reconstruction;
• Stone sections beyond repair, which were minimal, were replaced following approval of samples provided to the Conservation Officer;

New Cadet Facility – Warrington TA Centre

McGrath Associates were commissioned as Building Surveyors to revamp an existing vacant building within the site of the TA Centre in Warrington. The refurbishment of the building, vacant for some years, was designed by McGrath Associates to provide a modern facility for the cadets as part of their ongoing training. The building was a former army museum and the key to the success of the project was to retain as much of the original features as possible. The results were beyond the expectations of the client and further underlined our position in the region as preferred Building Surveying consultants.

DVLA Offices, Manchester – Internal Alterations and Refurbishment Works

McGrath Associates were commissioned by Trillium as Project Managers for the internal alteration works at the DVLA Offices in Manchester. The scheme was predominantly driven by the requirement for a new way of dealing with customers visiting the DVLA to speed up processing and make the experience a far better one for members of the public.  The works were undertaken over a period of 12 weeks utilising a carefully phased approach to ensure the business was unaffected, a key issue as this is the busiest office in the country outside of the head office in Swansea.

New Build Cadet Facility, Bolton TA Centre

McGrath Associates are working alongside TA surveyors on the construction of new build Cadet Facility on a brownfield site within the existing TA Centre. As the site is a former tannery this simple structure has required extensive Pre-contract services to ensure the project was successful. The new facility is due to open in September 2009.

Quarry House, Leeds – External Cleaning and Maintenance Assessment

McGrath Associates were commissioned by the client, Land Securities Trillium, to undertake a full review of the existing external cleaning and maintenance procedures at this landmark Government building in the centre of Leeds. This was a prestigious appointment underlining the faith this blue chip client has in the ongoing services provided by McGrath Associates.

McGrath Associates were commissioned by Land Securities Trillium to assist with the relocation of the existing Medical Centre in Wolverhampton. The existing building was subject to a CPO as part of the ongoing revamp of Wolverhampton city centre and McGrath Associates were provided with a short list of 2 no. local buildings. Following a full feasibility study into the viability of the two buildings, Pearl Assurance House was chosen by the client and McGrath Associates were retained to act as Project Managers for the internal fit out of the Medical Centre and also to Project Manage the move from the existing building.

Maryport Job Centre Project, Cumbria

McGrath Associates acted as Building Surveyors and Project Managers for the replacement flooring works at Maryport Job Centre in Cumbria.  A recent flood, caused by a river bursting its banks, had caused damage to the flooring and screed.  The project involved decanting of staff to other local offices, removal of all furniture and fittings off site into temporary storage, and replacement of floor screeds and flooring.  The building was open and fully operational 7 days after closing, a great joint effort by all parties concerned.