The provision of mechanical and electrical services for the new Regional Training Centre in Redbridge for the Guide Dogs for the Blind Association.

The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association has moved to structure itself around regional delivery, each region with its own management structure and Regional Centre. The envisaged site at Woodford Green will be a cornerstone in The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association’s operations to support service provision in the south east of England.

The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association needs the new centre to:

• Provide an inspiring, accessible place to work, volunteer and train;

• Ensure adequate space is provided for dogs and standardised accommodation provided to agreed principles;

• Support the delivery of STEP training (positive reinforcement training) from the centre and the surrounding area through fit for purpose indoor training spaces, alongside undercover all-weather external training areas;

• Provide adequate space and facilities to deliver Skills, Information and Support Services (SISS), both face to face and remotely;

• Bring together front line and back office colleagues;

• Provide flexible spaces, that enable better engagement with volunteers and the local community;

• Embed the best inclusivity and technology standards possible, to support people with a focus on pan-disability, not just people with a visual impairment;

• Enable team and community events to be hosted on-site, avoiding hotel and other venue cost.

The works will comprise of the demolishment of the existing buildings, construction of a two-storey new regional training centre with associated mechanical and electrical services installations and external works including access road and parking.

Box Twenty have been involved from the early stages of this BREEAM Excellent project, taking the Client through a range of servicing options and developing the Energy Strategy to meet London Plan, Local Planning and BREEAM requirements. We have developed the design through to a detailed Stage 4 set of documents for a traditional contract, and have also been appointed to act as Technical Advisor on behalf of the Client reviewing Contractors proposals and inspecting the installations on site.