Few areas of construction have as much to think about as open space builds. Whether it’s a hospital, factory, school, warehouse, stadium or otherwise, the size and nature of these projects can be daunting. 

But open space sites are often very much on the clock. Numerous interests rely on a fast and accurate build cycle. That only adds to the pressure.  

With a talented team at their back, there are several ways construction firms can ensure their open space projects stay on schedule. Below, we lay out some of them…

Effective planning and clearance 
 

Open space is defined by large-scale public buildings or distribution centres. Any developer needs to get planning permission in order, and that means having the right consultation and legal help to avoid any delays. 

Then, as soon as the project is approved, plans must be fed to everyone involved. Whether they’re full-time workers or subcontractors, the whole team needs to have access to schematics, quotas, timeframes and infrastructure demands like drainage or visitor access. 

They should also be aware of what should be cleared from the original site – for example, removing sections of a retail park to make way for a new one. 

Knowledge of what the site needs and when
 

Open space builds tend to juggle a lot of moving parts. Hospitals, for instance, require enough space for different forms of treatment and related machinery. Schools need to have fully functioning lights, IT networks and electrical systems. Warehouses may have to stay at a set temperature for goods or materials. Only the very best technical thinkers can overcome these challenges without risking a lag in the schedule. 

Therefore, a proven shortlist of the top candidates in the UK is more than desirable – it’s essential. Construction managers must prove they have an instinct for choosing the best people to take on each and every aspect of technical preparations. 

With hundreds of potential hands in the project, how do we focus on one thing over another? At what time does the focus increase? These questions are at the heart of a successful open space project that’s ready for daily use.  

Dealing with a revolving workforce 
 

Flexible working is becoming more popular. It’s suited to open space projects, where work never ceases – full-time and fixed-term professionals might be coming or going 24/7. For this reason, it’s important to understand what members of your team prefer. Night shifts could be more suited to some people, or they may be entirely necessary if (for instance) some work must be done in the early hours of the morning before the day team arrives. 

Mapping skills over 24 hours ensures the appropriate experts are together when they need to be. Part-time, maternity/paternity or holiday cover should be taken into account as well, since gaps in the team have to be seamlessly filled. Otherwise, delays are likely. 

As an experienced talent collaborator, Build Space know the ins and outs of open space projects. We bring clients and candidates onto the exact same page and ensure every stakeholder is happy with the timeframes they’re looking at. Speak to us for more information, or ask us about past projects that came in on or ahead of schedule.   

Twitter post: Thanks to open space schemes, seismic changes are hitting the UK construction scene… But with a ticking clock ever-present, how can they be brought in on time? Our experts weigh in. 

LinkedIn: Open space builds are vast, vital and expensive. They can’t run on anything but the exact right timeframe to succeed. With so much planning involved, how do we ensure that hospitals, stadia, warehouses, schools and other projects come out on top? 

There are several ways to treat open space as it deserves. Here, with a recruiter’s eye, we identify some of the most critical construction issues to think about.