Building and Construction

Stepnell works on new car park as HR giant drives ahead with expansion

MHR’s new car park artist impression – showing car park from the entrance to Britannia House site

A new employee car park is the latest in a series of projects being delivered for HR and payroll software and services firm MHR by regional construction firm Stepnell.

The 190-space, four-floor facility is being built as part of the Ruddington-based company’s expansion and is the fourth project worked on by Stepnell on the Mere Way site in the last four years to future-proof the site for current and future employees.

MHR is a specialist provider of HR and payroll software and outsourced services responsible for processing in excess of 2.3 million people’s pay across the UK.

Previous projects have included the development of MHR’s Wellington House building, which houses the company’s software teams, as well as the extension of the restaurant and office refurbishment at its Britannia House building which provides a modern open plan working environment for up to 350 employees.

The initial concept and planning approved scheme by Simon Gee Design has been designed to match the surrounding buildings. Stepnell, along with key consultants YMD Boon and BSP Consulting developed the design which led to selecting a pre-cast concrete build method to best suit the client’s requirements and site constraints.

Working closely with Precast Concrete Structures, the chosen method meant the main structure, incorporating bonded brickwork during the casting process has been formed completely off site, along with bespoke stone cills and aluminium-framed opens to ensure the build was in keeping with its surroundings but also to significantly reduce build disruption and waste from site. The car park  will then be finished with a clear span steel frame clad roof structure, as well as a full cover solar panel array to support an efficient lighting strategy and dedicated electric vehicle charging facilities, whilst feeding surplus energy back into the main business operations.

Thomas Sewell, Stepnell regional director, said: “We’re delighted to be working on another project with MHR, a major employer in its local area and whose products and services have a great reputation across the UK.

“Having been involved in both new builds and refurbishments for MHR in the past, we have developed a good understanding of not only our client, but the type of finished product MHR expects. Relationships like this are important, because it leads to open and honest dialogue that ensures that any challenges can be addressed effectively.”

The build is taking place on a live site, with MHR employees continuing to work from the adjacent offices while construction is in progress. Because of this, Stepnell and MHR are working closely on the timing and sequencing of the build, as well as the relocation of essential services during the project.

Sewell said: “Working in a live environment is never easy but through careful planning and constant communication, we are aiming to deliver a really impressive finished product with the minimum of disruption to MHR’s staff.”

John Mills, chairman of MHR, said: “Despite much economic uncertainty over the past three years, at MHR we have maintained a steady rate of investment and growth and expanded internationally with new offices in Ireland, the US and Singapore.

“Our continued success is creating new jobs for the East Midlands region and the development of our headquarters in Ruddington is part of our ongoing commitment to create a truly great place to work for our employees.

“The new car park is an exciting and welcome addition to our headquarters for our employees and it’s good to work again with a trusted partner in Stepnell, a company we have enjoyed an excellent working relationship with on several projects in the past and who have always delivered on our expectations.”

To find out more about Stepnell visit: www.stepnell.co.uk or join the conversation at @Stepnellltd

Spread the good news!