International construction and management consultancy Turner & Townsend has played an integral role in the construction of a state-of-the-art real snow indoor snow ski centre and associated leisure, retail and restaurant facilities in Trafford Quays, Mancester.

The £31 million centre, known as 'Chill Factore', was completed in mid-November and boasts the UK’s longest and the world’s widest real snow indoor ski slope, along with active lifestyle shopping, restaurants, cafes and bars.

Turner & Townsend was separately appointed by the Royal Bank of Scotland and Allied Irish Banks - the project’s agent bank and mezzanine lender respectively - to act as Development Monitor reviewing a variety of crucial project elements including the development structure and agreement, procurement strategy and contract documentation, drawings, specifications, programme, construction costs, consultant appointment documentation and site investigations.

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During construction the team monitored and reported on progress against the programme, the anticipated construction final account, expenditure against the development budget, planning, building regulations and Health & Safety as well as advising the banks on monthly drawdown from the loan facility.

Turner & Townsend Director, Cedric Houghton-Brown, head of the Development Monitoring team, said: "It was great to work on such a high-profile project that will undoubtedly become one of the country’s most popular visitors attractions. The complex mix of retail and restaurant units, as well as its unique leisure facilities and all the safety implications which that involved, made it a fascinating job.

“The economic impact of the facility on the surrounding area also meant our role was crucial in ensuring Chill Factore got off to a flying start."

The construction of Chill Factore began in August 2006 with Sir Robert McAlpine employed as Main Contractor for the Developer, Extreme Cool Limited. The completed development is expected to create more than 500 jobs and attract 2.5 million visitors each year, making it one of the country’s Top 20 visitor attractions.

(JM)