CC
Chris
Calcroft

About

BA (Hons) Arch, B Arch, MSc, Barrister, Architect, Adjudicator and Chartered Arbitrator With more than 40 years of professional activity in the construction industry and dispute resolution, Chris has the breadth and depth of knowledge and experience essential to properly adjudicate in contractual disputes under the Housing Grants (Construction & Regeneration) Act or arbitration under the 1996 Act. Since being called to the Bar in 1996 he has focused on being a better adjudicator and arbitrator rather than practising at the Bar. He has been involved in over 250 construction related disputes as arbitrator, adjudicator, adviser or, representative. His experience is unique in that, unlike many dual qualified professionals, he has a substantial track record of building projects which he has personally designed and supervised. Furthermore, he has prepared detailed technical specifications for substantial projects. Added to his MSc in construction law and having been called to the Bar in 1996 he has a deep insight into technical, professional and contractual disputes. Many disputes require ability to deal with the project costs or the legal costs. This is well within Chris’s skill base. He has settled final account, valued variations, decided extensions of time etc as part of his responsibilities as lead consultant and latterly in many disputes. He is also fully familiar with settling costs under the CPR.

Chris also plays the guitar, click here to hear one of his songs. You can pause it by using the button to the left

Projects

The Emirates stadium was one of a number of sports projects for which Chris was the consultant responsible for producing technical specifications in NBS format. HOK Sport also commissioned him for the MK Dons football ground, Royal Ascot new stand, Wembley Arena, O2 Arena, Croke Park fit out and others. For other architects he also prepared technical specifications for the Odyssey Belfast.





A housing project for HOK Sport for which Chris was technical consultant and specification writer. He also produced the technical specifications for AELTC offices. Amongst the other projects for which he produced technical specifications was the Banque Paribas London Headquarters.





Telford International Centre engaged Chris to prepare extensive bespoke contract documentation for all of the consultants and the main contractor. The work included a full complement of warranties, guaranties and liaison with insurers.





Design & Build procurement is now common. During the 80’s Chris worked for contractors and architects as architect/design manager for a number of commercial projects. In particular, the Lloyds Bank building at Hampshire Corporate Park, Chandlers Ford which was designed, specified and managed by Chris.





Another principal client at Hampshire Corporate Park was B&Q. Its head office was designed, specified and managed by Chris under design & build procurement whilst employed by the design build contractor. Substantial infrastructure works were part of this first phase.





The design and build project for new offices for Runnymede Borough Council was awarded following a limited competition and judged to be the winner based on design, cost and best re-use of some existing offices and the council chamber. Chris designed, specified and supervised construction whilst employed by the main contractor.





Bradford Royal Infirmary was one of a number of district general hospitals where, during the 70’s, Chris took the traditional role of architect and lead consultant whilst employed by architectural practices. This Bridge at Bradford Royal Infirmary was designed by Chris as were the adjacent ward and theatre units.





This ward and day care unit for the elderly was designed as part of the redevelopment of Whelley Hospital, Wigan. The redevelopment project used traditional procurement with Chris as architect and lead consultant. The main building is shown but the project included new site-wide boiler/heating systems, kitchens and admin facilities all to be incorporated with the upgrade of existing ward units. The project was complex due to the need to maintain existing facilities and also due to poor ground conditions.





Royal Preston Hospital was a complete new build project. Chris was responsible for 3 phases. Firstly, the nurses’ residential and communal facilities. Secondly, the ESMI unit (shown here). Thirdly, a new combined building incorporating a haemodialysis and CAT scanner unit. There were also various infrastructure and landscape projects. All was procured using traditional procurement with Chris as architect and lead consultant. As was the norm, Chris settled the final account including dealing with extensions of time, variations etc.