Extension, Cell Replacement, and Fit Out Works at Garda Station

McKeon Group completed a significant project for OPW at the Garda Station on Abbey Road in Navan, Co. Meath.

Extension, Cell Replacement, and Fit Out Works at Navan Garda Station

Project team

Main Contractor

McKeon Group

client

Office of Public Works

client pm

Turner & Townsend

architect

Philip T. Brady Architects

C&S enGINEERS

DFK Engineers

M&E ENGINEERS

OPW

Overview

The project involved the extension, cell replacement, and fit out works of a protected 1930s building and the construction of a new two-story infill building.
The project aimed to renovate the existing building, construct a new structure, and integrate both buildings to create a cohesive and functional space.

The Challenge

The project included the demolition of a single-story cell block and the renovation of the existing 1930s building, which is a protected structure. The works also involved the construction of a new two-story 400m² infill building with additional accommodation for a new expanded cell block on the ground floor and offices on the first floor.

Our team knew a comprehensive overhaul of the existing building’s structure would be vital to successfully integrating these new structures.

The Delivery

Our team constructed the extension building, which features a composite structure with reinforced-concrete strip foundations, steel columns and beams, and precast concrete first-floor slabs.

The external walls consist of blockwork cavity walls at the ground-floor level and externally insulated blockwork walls at the first-floor level.

The roof is constructed of prefabricated timber trusses with metal sheeting and flat roof sections with a single-ply membrane covering. Furthermore, plastered blockwork walls, metal-stud partition walls, and triple-glazed, thermally broken, alu-clad timber windows were used in the building’s internal structure.

Our team ensured the transition from old to new was seamless by upgrading the building’s electrical, mechanical, fire alarm, and information technology systems, while the existing station remained operational at all times.

Finally, the team developed and completed the new cell block suite according to the latest OPW Specification of Works for National Anti-Ligature Upgrading of Cell and Prisoner Areas within Garda Stations

Commitment to Health and Safety

The team was committed to ensuring the project’s safety and, therefore, adhered to strict Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) regulations. The project was undertaken during COVID-19 restrictions, and our team ensured adherence to strict CIF protocols throughout the work.

The site was closed to the public, and deliveries were arranged with designated spotters and drivers to ensure security and minimise interruption.

Similarly, dedicated footpaths and carriageways were constructed to facilitate safe pedestrian movement. Proper site signage was maintained throughout the project to communicate safety protocols, and subcontractors were also required to submit Risk Assessment Method Statements (RAMS/MS).

The Results

McKeon Group team successfully completed the extension, cell replacement, and fit out works at the Garda Station in Navan within the estimated cost limit, all while ensuring that we achieved each of the goals set out by the client.

We completed the project as a single-phase development without interruption, and the phased handover of the new extension allowed the existing facilities to continue being used during renovations

The completed structure allows all employees and occupants to work efficiently and productively, to the highest safety standards.