Name: Steve Wimpenny ICIOB
Employer: Mansell Construction Services Ltd
Project: Sefton Water Centre, Waterloo, Liverpool
Contract: JCT 1998
You don’t often get ducks swimming between the pile caps on a site, but, as so often on this project, Steve Wimpenny took the problem and found a solution, rather than turning it into a confrontation or barrier to progress.
He quickly and efficiently developed a dewatering system that could deal with the high water table. His solution moved away from the original well-points plan to a series of interceptor trenches at strategic points across the site that also brought the cost down from £120k to £50k.
Indeed, Steve kept a keen eye on design throughout the scheme. With the connections between the steel and glulam frames depending on a series of galvanised metal shoes, he smoothly managed the co-ordination between the four designers involved. His involvement prevented any delay in constructing the tricky interface between the glulam beams and the steel structure.
And after undertaking exhaustive studies on how a green roof would fare in a saltwater environment, he developed a salt-tolerant solution using local turf. It was effective and also produced a clear money saving.
Right from the start, Steve quickly put in place an ambitious programme, streamlining progress by identifying and targeting the critical elements. His treatment of the foundation design allowed the piling rig to be operating onsite from week one, alongside the groundworks. This in turn allowed the structural steel frame to go up five weeks earlier than originally planned.
He maintained this momentum throughout the project, completing the building five weeks ahead of schedule while incorporating £700k of variations.
Respectful and courteous to the client, his practical and professional approach got results. When information or decisions were needed, he requested them; and if they didn’t arrive, he was polite but forceful in insisting.
Example, leadership, management method and sheer hard work were the keys to his success. Personable and easygoing, he showed a commitment to the job that was mirrored by the site team. Steve was clearly in charge but he granted the rest of the team an active involvement, assuring buy-in, confidence and loyalty.
Value: £7.8m