CASE STUDY: Costco Reading Enhancement Works

Accredited Supplier Ainsty Timber Marketing Ltd T/A ATM, recently completed the installation and enhancement works for our valued client ADP LLP, who represent one of the world’s largest and most well-known wholesale retailers, Costco. The site is based in Reading, in the regenerated and high-profile Green Park development, which also neighbours the stadium space for Reading Football Club.

Having already successfully delivered similar works at two other sites of the same nature in the UK, this was the third instruction received to undertake and deliver the enhancements of the external car parking landscaped areas on one of the many UK sites in the south-east. ATM was tasked with undertaking various hard and soft landscape enhancements, including the following:

• Removal of existing soil and vegetation

• Preparation, shuttering, and installation of concrete step-offs

• Installation of 1400 sq.m of weed suppressant membrane

• Planting over 120 different-sized plants, including Ceanothus, Escallonia, Photinia, Prunus, Spiraea Japonica, Viburnum, and Vinca

• Installation of approximately 170 tonnes of 40–60mm cobble shingle

• Installation of over 200 locally sourced boulders

• Tree replacements

Challenge

Ensuring the safety of our team and the public while operating in a busy location posed the biggest challenge of these works, which involved carrying out all activities while the business remained open and operational. From a health and safety standpoint, this posed a significant challenge because it required the use of heavy equipment and materials in order to accomplish the operation quickly and with quality and efficiency.

Our solution

We were able to produce and complete works within an efficient 6-week turnaround from start to finish. We achieved this through thorough collaboration and communication with not only our internal operational colleagues but also with the client to ensure they were involved every step of the way.

The safety assessment concluded that the safest way of working, and to lower the risk to the general public, would be to work unsociable hours. This allowed safe systems of work to be put in place, as well as pre works organisation through our trusted supply chain partners to ensure efficient product sourcing and delivery schedules. Our highly skilled and competent operational teams ensured a realistic and efficient programme of works overseen by a dedicated Site Supervisor and Site Manager. This was in large part due to constant communication with the client and various site meetings throughout the contract to ensure works were to the client’s approval and in line with specification.