New Conference Suite, The Mill Hotel & Spa, Chester

Having successfully completed construction of the new internal Lift Shaft under competitive tender between July and October 2011, the Client was happy to negotiate with AWCS Ltd for the complex construction of their new Conference Suite.

The construction took place at roof level on the East side of the Hotel above an existing five storey extension built in 1991.  The extension connected to the new Lift structure and existing slate roofs to the West.  The Hotel is land locked by the adjacent Shropshire Union Canal on the South elevation, and by existing two storey buildings to the East and North – making access a major challenge.

Workforce access to the roof was via an existing internal service staircase, with extensive independent tied scaffolding around the perimeter of the roof to access the work areas. A combination of craneage and a goods hoist was used to transfer materials up and down.

Preparation work involved the removal of existing handrails, parapet masonry and p.c.c copings, 2No external steel staircases, p.c.c paving slabs, insulation, asphalt roofing and roof screed, along with exposure of the steelwork structure below, and the identification of all Mechanical and Electrical services that might be affected by the works.

The new construction comprised a single storey structural steel frame and metal deck with insulated Sika single membrane roofing, insulated timber external walls with Falzinc metal cladding, traditional brick and slate roof construction to match existing, aluminium double-glazed curtain walling and windows, pre-cast concrete staircase extension, steel main staircase with stainless steel and glass balustrading, new sound insulated floor screed, full Mechanical, Electrical and Air Conditioning installations, oak doors, new toilet facilities and full decoration and floor finishes.