The James House Belfast refurbishment project in the Gasworks area of the city was completed in early 2023 with a fullelectrical installation package from PMcK Electrical. The building, which stands on decontaminated land formerly occupied by Belfast City’s Gasworks, provides approximately 9,500m2 of office accommodation for a mix of administrative and IT businesses over five storeys. Floors 1-4 provide office accommodation; the ground floor provides reception areas and undercroft parking.
The project involved the removal of existing electrical services, followed by the installation of LV main switchboard and associated sub-mains cabling, containment systems, sub-switch boards and distribution boards. Additionally, the installation included general purpose power, underfloor busbar trunking, general and emergency lighting and a lighting control system. The scope of work also included the installation of fire alarms, disabled toilet and disabled refuge alarm systems, structured cabling including UPS back up supply installation, CCTV, access control and intruder alarm systems, critical power systems and generator. Other systems that were installed include audio visual, public address, hearing loop/infrared hearing assistance, smoke ventilation cabling, lightning protection system and electrical services to support the mechanical installation and BMS system.
Despite numerous challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic, such as supply chain instability, labour precarity, government-imposed restrictions and an unexpected change of mechanical contractor mid-contract, the project was completed in early 2023. PMcK Electrical worked in partnership with the main contractor Tracey Brothers and continued all necessary works to project completion while always maintaining a high standard of work. This is not the first time PMcK Electrical has completed a project alongside Tracey Bros and this strong relationship was essential to ensuring the successful completion of the project.
The James House project was delivered in phases, with the building partially occupied before project completion. PMcK Electrical ensured the utmost diligence with health and safety, with the added challenge of accommodating tenant businesses as works continued. With a total electrical value exceeding £3.3m, PMcK Electrical also provided a full BIM model and accompanying electrical COBie data.
PMcK Electrical is a family-run electrical engineering and building services contractor based in Co. Tyrone, Northern Ireland. With operations spanning throughout the United Kingdom and Ireland and almost 40 years’ experience, the company offers a complete service solidified with expertise. They provide robust electrical services for crucial life safety, communications systems and controls. With a team of over 75 staff, PMcK Electrical has an outstanding reputation for delivering design, manufacture, installation and commissioning of electrical engineering services on time and on budget. Customers include public and private sector customers across a wide range of industries, such as education, health, retail, and leisure.
The business prides itself on the ability to provide bespoke solutions tailored to each client.
PMcK Electrical is delighted to have been involved with the successful completion of the complex James House project, one that will provide state-of-the-art office facilities to the end-user.
Senior Contracts Manager Robert Somerville commented, “It was a privilege to be part of the refurbishment of such an important project within Belfast City centre. The complex nature of the project, and the specific needs of multiple end users within the building offered PMcK the opportunity to showcase the skills of our expert team. Tracey Brothers is an excellent main contractor with whom we have a close working relationship. This was highlighted by the fact that, despite the challenges posed due to unforeseen circumstances such as the Covid-19 pandemic, Tracey Bros and PMcK Electrical collaborated to ensure the successful completion of an extremely impressive project.”
For the full feature on James House, check out Ireland’s Electrical Magazine Issue 97 June-July here.
47 Grange Road, Moy, Co. Tyrone, BT71 7EQ
T: +44 (0)28 8778 4826
E: info@pmkelectrical.com
www.pmkelectrical.com
