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OCS has been appointed by Southbank Centre to supply total facilities management services to its sites over the next five years, with the potential for an extension.
The core multi-million-pound contract includes cleaning, hard services (mechanical & engineering and projects), and event support, along with additional yearly projects of added value, to enhance Southbank Centre’s facilities.
The contract went live on 1 April, with a transfer of over 100 front-line colleagues from the incumbent service provider to OCS.
Southbank Centre sought a contractor capable of addressing the unique needs of its dynamic business, including three main properties – Royal Festival Hall, Queen Elizabeth Hall, and Hayward Gallery- and other satellite locations. As a hub for the arts community, the spaces within Southbank Centre are constantly evolving spaces, to accommodate a busy calendar of events. The OCS team has committed to a service with exceptional agility in supporting building-repurposing initiatives.
OCS’s technological offerings, particularly its smart building technology, ABi, caught the attention of Southbank Centre, and is planned for implementation post-mobilisation to assist in reaching and monitoring sustainability goals and fostering best practices for efficiency gains across operations.
In addition to shared commitments to greener practices, OCS and Southbank Centre share a dedication to empowering the local community in London. To ensure a positive impact, OCS commits to hiring from within the local community for outsourced services and further employment. Additionally, OCS is committed to providing apprenticeships during the contract tenure, and contributing to social mobility within the community.
Claire Rumsey, Sector Managing Director – Private FM, Destinations at OCS, said: “We’re looking forward to building a strong relationship with Southbank Centre. Our commitment is to support them in maintaining their role as a hub for the South London community, creating welcoming spaces for both locals and visitors. Additionally, we are enthusiastic about implementing intelligent solutions to enhance their facilities and foster sustainable practices.”
Hilton Wells, Head of Facilities at Southbank Centre, commented: “We are excited about the collaboration with OCS and their dedication to delivering our specific requirements. Their commitment to building a strong and cooperative relationship has been clear throughout the process. We believe that their expertise will play a vital role in preserving our status as a hub for the arts community and improving our facilities. We anticipate a successful and mutually rewarding partnership.”
