ROBERTS GALLAGHER CONSTRUCTION
CAPABILITY PROFILE, AUGUST 2024
A fresh approach.
INTRODUCTION
Welcome to Roberts Gallagher Construction, a dynamic main contractor that specialises in residential-led, mixed-use projects for trusted clients in London and the South East.
With nearly 40 years combined experience working with clients including housing associations and a range of developers including private, Luxury Later Living and purpose built student accommodation, Roberts Gallagher Construction was co-founded by leading industry professionals Allan Roberts and Tom Gallagher in June 2023.
Having gained invaluable industry experience throughout their careers, Allan and Tom stand behind their Roberts Gallagher Construction mission statement, which is simple: “Deliver to the highest quality, acting with trust, integrity and commitment.”
With a hands-on approach in the delivery of projects, valued clients know that Roberts Gallagher Construction can be considered a trusted main contractor for the delivery of their projects. Moreover, that their projects are delivered to the highest quality standards, on time and in-budget, no matter how technically demanding or logistically complicated.
“DELIVER TO THE HIGHEST QUALITY, ACTING WITH TRUST, INTEGRITY AND COMMITMENT.”
WHY CHOOSE US
Choosing Roberts Gallagher Construction means partnering with a trusted, experienced, and innovative construction main contractor dedicated to delivering exceptional results.
We have a proven track record in the residential, mixed-use, hospitality, and luxury retirement living sectors. Our extensive experience and successful project completions in these areas demonstrate our expertise and reliability.
Health, safety, quality, and the environment always come first, as evidenced by our exemplary records. We prioritise these values in all our operations to ensure a safe, highquality, and environmentally responsible approach to every project.
As an in-house main contractor, our hands-on delivery approach sets us apart from the competition. This enables us to maintain direct control over every aspect of our projects, ensuring high-quality outcomes and timely completion.
We are committed to delivering and exceeding our clients' expectations at every turn. Our dedication to quality and excellence ensures that we consistently provide superior results that surpass client requirements.
We prioritise hiring high-performing professionals who bring a can-do attitude to every task. This ensures that our team is both capable and motivated, driving our collective success and consistently achieving outstanding results.
We own and manage our own plant and heavy machinery. This allows us to maintain full control over our resources, ensuring operational efficiency, reliability, and the ability to meet project demands effectively.
We take proactive action to ensure the wellbeing of ourselves and others. This commitment to safety and health is integral to our operations and reflects our dedication to fostering a secure and supportive work environment.
Unlike our competition, we have no legacy projects or bad debt. While many in the construction industry have struggled with the lingering impacts of COVID-19, geopolitical tensions, and economic challenges such as rapid inflation and energy price hikes, we have successfully navigated these obstacles, avoiding the convergence of issues that have caused the perfect storm for others.
We are prioritising sustainable growth over chasing turnover, avoiding overextension and maintaining financial stability. This strategic approach will ensure that our business remains robust and resilient in the face of economic challenges.
CURRENT PROJECTS
“Our dedication to quality and excellence ensures that we consistently provide superior results that surpass client requirements.
PRESTON BARRACKS BRIGHTON
Client: Southern Housing (formally Optivo)
Location: Preston Barracks, Brighton
Description: 369-Units of mixed-tenure residential apartments, plus 9000sq ft commercial space (including a medical centre, a pharmacy, and a local convenience store)
A 369-unit development, Preston Barracks is part of a larger development creating a Northern gateway into the city, with a mix of private sale, shared ownership, and affordable rent homes spread across eight blocks ranging up to 10-storeys.
Director experience includes developing the project from RIBA Stage 3 design, through to the handover of five of eight blocks. Works included piled foundations, complex double-height tapered brickwork façades, curtain walling, rainscreen cladding, and an expansive landscaped podium that interlinks six of the blocks. Also, the full installation and commissioning of the energy centre, plus the residential fit-out (207 units).
In June 2023, the previous main contractor fell into administration and the project crashed to a halt. Roberts Gallagher Construction was independently formed and collaboratively worked with the client to successfully negotiate phase 1 of the completion works, before competitively tendering phase 2 to complete the project in its entirety.
Roberts Gallagher Construction’s works include the completion of the building envelopes for the final three blocks, completion of the podium façade, the internal fit-out and handover of three blocks (162 residential units), external landscaping, delivery of the 7 commercial units to shell and core, plus completion of the carpark and the energy centre.
Status: Programmed for completion December 2025
Value: £98m £
DIRECTORS EXPERIENCE PROJECTS
“Our extensive experience and successful project completions demonstrate our expertise and reliability.
STUDENT CASTLE BRIGHTON
Client: Student Castle
Location: Pelham Terrace, Lewes Road, Brighton
Description: 206-unit Purpose Built Student Accommodation (PBSA)
206 purpose-built student accommodation units. The works included the design, construction, and fit-out of the 9-storey building, complete with piled foundations, RC frame, a striking brickwork façade, complex glass-reinforced concrete banding, and a cantilevered soffit over a double-height curtain wall entrance.
Student Castle is an impressive mixed-use building, providing high-quality contemporary accommodation for students at the University of Brighton. Located in a prominent location on Lewes Road in the heart of Brighton’s student district, the building also includes a Centre for Inclusive Music and a local community ‘Hub’ space.
Director experience included working for the main contractor from the commencement of piling to Practical Completion, including post-completion customer care to the end of the defect’s rectification period.
Status: Completed 2022
Value: £24m £
AUDLEY STANBRIDGE EARLS
Client: Audley Group
Description: 155-units of luxury later living
155 units of luxury later living, a health club, a library, and a restaurant. Sitting on 32 acres of grounds, Audley Stanbridge Earls retirement village was designed to complement the Grade II* Tudor Manor house at its centre. Audley Stanbridge Earls was developed so buyers could experience an independent lifestyle in a beautiful and secure environment, where your property and gardens are maintained.
The works included the design and construction of 15 lowrise buildings containing both cottages and apartments. Constructed with traditional brickwork and blockwork with part steel structures to balconies and roofs. The roofs were extensive, as were the landscaped areas and spa facilities.
Director experience included working for the main contractor from the commencement of the groundworks under the infrastructure package to Practical Completion and handover of all buildings except for the Manor House, which was completed by others.
Location: Stanbridge Earls, Romsey
Value: £50m £
Status: Completed 2022
DOMAIN READING
Client: Ropemaker in partnership with UK Pension Fund
Location: Weldale Street, Reading
Description: 253-units of Build-to Rent and a 33,700 sq ft enclosed car park at LGF
The Domain replaces a run-down retail development that had become a focal point for social issues. It comprised two phases extending 10-storeys above ground level, with provision of car parking at the lower ground.
The works included the design and construction of an RC frame, brick façade, fit-out, and significant enabling works in the form of embedded cantilever retaining walls to retain the public highways.
Director experience included working for the main contractor from the commencement of the groundworks and RC frame to Practical Completion and handover of phase 1.
Status: Completed 2022 (Phase 1)
Value: £48m £
ROX BRIGHTON
Client: Ktesius
Description: 70-units of private sale
70 private residences, with 3 houses and a variety of flats, including duplex apartments overlooking the central garden. The Rox is a luxury residential building that replaces the old 1930s Astoria cinema from which it draws inspiration. The works included the design and construction of piled foundations, RC frame, extensively detailed façade with full height brick piers, panelled balconies, art deco style feature grilles, roof balustrades, internal and external bridges, and the high-end fit-out to all residential units, amenity, and reception areas.
Situated on the fringe of the North Laine quarter, ROX is a bespoke collection of apartments, penthouses, and townhouses in the heart of the city.
ROX strikes the perfect work/life balance for your comfort, wellbeing, and convenience with a hotel-style day concierge, residents' lounge and co-working space, communal gym, gardens, yoga space, and cinema.
Director experience included working for the main contractor from the commencement of piling to Practical Completion and handover.
Location: 10 – 14 Gloucester Place, Brighton
Value: £16m £
Status: Completed 2022
SCAPERFIELD
Client: Scape Student Living
Location: Brighton
Description: New Build 555-bed Purpose Built Student Accommodation (PBSA)
555 purpose-built student accommodation units with extensive communal space including a gym, cinema room, library, and craft rooms all spread across three towers ranging from 8 to 15-storeys.
Works included the construction and fit-out of all blocks, complete with piled foundations, RC frames, intermixed brick and rainscreen cladding façades, and bathroom pods.
Director experience included working for the main contractor from the commencement of the piling to Practical Completion, including post-completion customer care to the end of the defect’s rectification period.
Status: Completed 2021
Value: £39m £
CIRCUS STREET BRIGHTON
Client: LandsecU+I
Location: Circus Street, Brighton
Description: 450 purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA), 142-units private sale apartments, six storey office block and a four-storey dance block.
450 purpose-built student accommodation units, 142 build-torent apartments, a 6-storey 30,000 sq. ft office building, and a 4-storey building for Southeast Dance. The works included the design and construction of ten RC frame blocks ranging up to 13-storeys, inclusive of fit-out, an energy centre, a basement carpark, extensive façades, landscaped areas, and S278 works.
The site was vacant for 20 years until this development turned the Circus Street area into a vibrant new quarter of the city, an economically and creatively productive neighbourhood where anything from seed swapping to roof-top urban farming and orchard picking sits alongside art, culture, modern living, and hitech start-up business.
Director experience included working for the main contractor from the commencement of the groundworks to Practical Completion and handover.
Status: Completed 2021
Value: £90m £
THE LANDSBY
Client: Elysian Residences
Description: 101-units of luxury Later Living
Location: Merrion Avenue, Stanmore
Value: £35m £
Status: Completed 2021
101 units of luxury Later Living. The works included the design and construction of groundworks, RC Frame, an extensive basement, a detailed curved brick façade, and an exceptional high-quality fit-out with the addition of fabulous social facilities.
An elegant new concept in senior living, Elysian turned the concept of senior living on its head: instead of a care facility in a luxury setting, their focus was on providing the very best in luxury living underpinned by discreet, but comprehensive care and support.
Director experience included working for the main contractor from the commencement of the piling to Practical Completion and handover.
QUEEN’S QUARTER
Client: HUB
Description: 513 apartments
513 units for private sale and affordable rent. The works included the design, construction and fit-out of 4 tower blocks rising 12 – 35 storeys. Completed with the re-use and reworking of the existing double basement structure with extensive cut/carve, along with RC frame and detailed rainscreen façade. The works extended to a resident’s lounge on the 35th floor; a central basement energy centre with CHP to serve all blocks; ground floor retail and remodelling of the Queens Gardens.
Queen's Quarter is located on the former Taberner House site in central Croydon. A key regeneration site, the scheme provides space for retail, leisure, and cultural activities, as well as bringing much-needed new homes and jobs to the area.
Director experience included working for the main contractor from the commencement of the groundworks and RC frame to Practical Completion and handover.
Location: Croydon
Value: £126m £
Status: Completed 2021
EAST SLOPE REGENERATION
Client: University of Sussex
Description: New Build 2113-bed Purpose Built Student Accommodation (PBSA)
A development of 32 buildings of 3 to 6-storey flats and 3 to 4-storey townhouses, accommodating 2,113 beds for students at the University of Sussex.
Director experience included working for the specialist groundworks contractor to deliver £15m of heavy civil engineering and groundworks, with 11no. RC Frames, 70,000m3 of cut & fill, 1000t of reinforcing steel & 6000m3 of concrete. One building posed significant technical challenges including a 140m long, 10m high contiguous pile wall, necessitating complex construction sequencing, significant temporary works, and basement-style construction.
Location: Brighton, Sussex
Value: £179m £
Status: Completed Summer 2019
DISTRESSED PROJECT SPECIALISTS
Unfortunately, the construction industry has seen a sharp rise in company insolvencies. In the year to January 2024, the total number of construction businesses going insolvent was 4,383. This was an increase of 5.9% on the insolvencies recorded in the year to January 2023 and a 36.2% increase on the 3,218 in 2019.
The convergence of multiple issues, from the lingering impacts of COVID-19, geopolitical tensions, and economic challenges such as rapid inflation and energy price hikes have caused the perfect storm for construction businesses. Particularly where a contractor’s emphasis during this period was on chasing turnover, this will have likely led to an overextension and financial fragility of the business. With issues typically manifesting themselves on-site as persistent rumours, significant project delays, supply chain issues, and clear financial strains.
HOW CAN ROBERTS GALLAGHER CONSTRUCTION HELP?
As experts in distressed project recovery where the main contractor has gone insolvent, Roberts Gallagher Construction has a proven track record of providing our clients with a roadmap to project completion.
We know that many main contractors in the industry are not interested in the project turnaround space, and we appreciate why, but here at Roberts Gallagher Construction, we have the knowledge and experience to deliver results on projects that need to be brought back to life.
Whether it be via a single-stage, two-stage or negotiated, Roberts Gallagher Construction has the experience to –
• Provide a detailed project status report, including planning, design, procurement, health and safety, quality, and handover documentation positions.
• Conduct all surveys, including intrusive surveys as necessary to establish any derogations or workmanship issues.
• Re-engage the previous project supply chain (where commercially efficient), and/or supplement with our trusted supply chain to identify a programme to completion, areas of risk, and the best procurement strategy to complete the project.
Navigating the unique challenges of distressed project recovery requires a detailed assessment of the project status, a practical take on risk, and strong negotiating with stakeholders, warranty providers, subcontractors, and suppliers. Additionally, it requires trust, integrity, and commitment to foster a transparent and collaborative relationship with the client to get the project back on track.
• Review all compliance and warranty issues.
• Negotiate price, programme, risk, and contract terms with the client, or the client’s agent.
• Negotiate the same with the supply chain.
• Prepare a detailed pricing document with relevant supporting survey reports, clarifications, and qualifications to suit a client's desired delivery strategy and contract risk profile.
• Prepare a comprehensive programme to complete the project, including design, procurement, construction, and handover.
IF YOU HAVE A DISTRESSED PROJECT AND YOU NEED HELP, PLEASE CONTACT US ON 01273 939023
CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY (CSR) STATEMENT
Roberts Gallagher Construction acknowledges our corporate and social responsibility to our clients, client stakeholders, employees, consultants, suppliers, and subcontractors. We provide long-term, meaningful contributions to the communities in which we operate. The company is also devoted to being a good employer, lowering ourx carbon impact, and encouraging environmental sustainability.
WORKPLACE
At Roberts Gallagher Construction we offer equal opportunities to both job candidates and current employees, knowing that our reputation is dependent on our employees' well-being, effectiveness, and skill base. Roberts Gallagher Construction is devoted to equal treatment of all employees and promotes the prohibition of discrimination in areas such as equal pay, fair treatment, and job opportunities for a diverse workforce. To assist employees in achieving a healthy work/life balance, the business provides flexible working arrangements whenever possible.
At Roberts Gallagher Construction, we deliver high-quality workspaces for the benefit of our employees and clients, as well as strict adherence to health and safety regulations.
ENVIRONMENT
At Roberts Gallagher Construction, we aim to reduce the environmental impact of operations.
We are devoted to preventing pollution, reducing waste in offices and workplaces, and implementing strong environmental management practices. Our company aims to increase resource efficiency by carrying out activities and operations under current environmental legislation and best practices. There is also a strong environmental management system incorporated into all business operations.
At Roberts Gallagher Construction, we provide environmental awareness training to all employees, and we work with suppliers who share our high environmental standards.
COMMUNITY
Employees volunteer regularly and are encouraged to participate in local community projects or projects of their choosing that are meaningful to them.
Many of our staff come from the surrounding areas, and we strive to establish long-term partnerships with the local community and groups.
At Roberts Gallagher Construction, we support local charities that help disadvantaged people, many of whom are nominated by workers or members of our community.
OUR COMMITMENT
At Roberts Gallagher Construction, we are committed to complying with all relevant health and safety regulations and standards. We believe that by prioritising safety, we can create a positive working environment and deliver successful projects for our clients.
If you have any questions or concerns about health and safety at Roberts Gallagher Construction, please don't hesitate to contact us. Your safety is our priority, and we are dedicated to continuously improving our safety practices to ensure the well-being of everyone involved in our projects.