Awards

5 Star British Safety Council Award 2002
Best Design Project 2002
Project of the Year Award 2002
Best Accommodation Project (above £20m) 2002
British Construction Industry – Winner Judges Special Award 2004
Winner of Best Corporate Workplace for Southern England

Protecting national security with a new, hi-tech GCHQ

When a purpose-designed development was required by Government Communications Headquarters (GCHQ) in Cheltenham, it was bound to be no ordinary office development. The WMS role encompassed the multi-million pound package of services - mechanical, electrical, public health, ceiling and fire protection - vital to GCHQ because of its reliance on complex mission-critical IT systems. From early concept stage through to successful Client handover, WMS managed the design, installation and commissioning for this prestigious Government facility, essential to national security.

Despite 6 months lost due to late access, the unique WMS approach allowed us to recover the project with an ingenious fast track programme. The complex package of services was safely installed ‘right first time’ and 10 weeks early. The Client realised an early completion bonus and significant savings in the cost of delivering the Engineering Services for this development.

Key data
Client IAS
Architect Gensler
Main Contractor Carillion Building
M&E Services Contractor Crown House Engineering under the Project Management of Wise Management Services
Area 100,000m2 (Office Space)
Part of the Civil Service, GCHQ is the UK’s foremost signals intelligence and security organisation for Government IT systems. The Department reports to the Foreign Secretary and works alongside MI5 and MI6, primarily supporting the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, law enforcement authorities and the Ministry of Defence.

This award-winning new high tech building, known as ‘The Doughnut’ because of its radical circular shape, is based in Cheltenham and cost £340m. The development was part of the largest Private Finance Initiative (PFI) project undertaken at a cost of £1.2 billion, including a 30-year service contract.