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National Police Air Service, St Athan - Wernick Buildings

By Wernick Buildings Limited in Case Study

Project name: National Police Air Service, St Athan
Sector: Offices
Location: St Athan, Vale of Glamorgan
Client name: National Police Air Service
Supplied by: Wernick Buildings
Accommodation type: Single-storey offices and crew facilities
Size: 88m² / 4 modules
Features: Linkway to existing building, open plan office, R&R room, accessible toilet

REQUIREMENT

The team at the National Police Air Service based at the St Athan base primarily worked out of a 50-year-old house near to an aircraft hangar.

They required an extension that would solve several issues with the existing accommodation: such as tight spaces and excessive noise.

It would also bring the team closer to the helicopter hangar and provide a much needed “buffer” between the two structures.

A modular solution offered a timeline suited to the location, as it would keep disruption within the busy airfield to a minimum. Project requisites also included value for money and placing business locally.

SOLUTION

Once appointed through the official procurement process, Wernick submitted a building design for planning approval. The client described the design process as “impressive” with the modular system offering “a surprising level of flexibility”.

Wernick’s construction team worked closely with NPAS to ensure compliance with a raft of aviation regulations. Wernick kept the area ‘exceptionally tidy’: a stipulation from airfield security to minimise risk to aircraft. As the helicopter could be called to an emergency at any time, the site had to remain operational throughout.

Modules were positioned and ready for completion within four hours of arrival. “We had a very good two-way relationship with the team on site. We overcame challenges with communication and collaboration.”

A spacious linkway connects both buildings to the airfield and hangar. Internal features also include an open-plan office with large windows overlooking the airfield, and an R&R room for pilot fatigue management.

External ramps and a disability toilet ensure accessibility for visitors with additional needs.

CLIENT COMMENT
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Simon Hepworth, Project Manager Aviation and Ground Infrastructure Coordinator commented: “All of our expectations have been exceeded. In terms of quality, we got a Bentley, not a Ford Fiesta! Crew members have gone out of their way to tell us they like the building.”