Representatives from Forestry England, Concertus and R G Carter recently visited site to celebrate the completion of the new Tangham Forest Operations Facility (FOF) in Rendlesham Forest.
Procured under the Scape Framework, the new operational yard now consists of an operations hub, workshop, and deer larder, replacing the dilapidated buildings that were formerly on site and unfit for use.
Having now settled into their new building, Simon Coombe, District Building Survey from Forestry England said: “The delivery of our new Operations Facility at Tangham will bring much needed improvements to work and welfare facilities for the local team. From design to delivery, Forestry England would like to thank everyone involved for their hard work and commitment to the project. We are now looking forward to many years of enjoyment of the facility.”
The new facilities have been designed for minimal maintenance and upkeep, with a focus on creating a modern working environment for the staff. The FOF has also been future proofed to allow for any planned increase in staff numbers and the introduction of carbon reduction systems such as PV Panels. The new building has utilised sustainably sourced PEFC accredited timber to reflect the existing building portfolio and ethos of Forestry England.
Matthew Smith, Associate Building Surveyor from Concertus said: “Working with R G Carter to deliver the operations facility for Forestry England was an exciting project to be involved in. The desire to develop a best practice standardised design that can be utilised across the Forestry England regions was of particular interest, as we look to support on other commissioned projects. The design approach in collaboration with R G Carter allowed the team to challenge the conception of the design with the client team, while focusing on the primary objectives set out within the brief”.
Gavin Leeks, Building Solutions Manager at R G Carter said: “It has been a pleasure to work collaboratively with Forestry England and Concertus to help craft this comfortable and practical Operations Facility in the heart of Rendlesham Forest. It has been a real a treat for our team to work in such stunning woodland surroundings and be able to showcase our carpentry craftmanship on this sustainable timber framed and clad building. We hope the Forest Rangers enjoy using their new hub, as they continue their vital conservation work for the benefit of current and future generations.”
With the constrained access and limitations to the site, the project team’s communication was instrumental throughout the project, working closely to ensure the habitat remained unharmed.