Old Mutual Properties are set to embark on the second phase of a facilities management consulting contract for the owners of Ukraine’s best-known retail complex, Univermag Ukraina, in Kiev.

The owners, NCH Capital Inc of New York, who have invested in a $20 million renovation of the complex, briefed members of the Old Mutual Properties facilities management consulting team last year for an on-site design review of the electrical services, air conditioning, heating and ventilation, lifts and escalators, fire services, building structure and plumbing.

“The review identified areas for design savings and made certain recommendations which have now been implemented,“ says Richard Murphy, head of the facilities management consulting team.

“In the second phase, our roles will switch from engineering consultancy to facilities consultancy. Our focus will be on helping the owners manage and maintain the 25 000m2 centre. We will be preparing specifications and service level agreements for service providers to support the complex. We will evaluate the capabilities of service providers and look to match the best expertise to the scope of the service level agreements.

“This will entail thorough examination of their competence, tools and equipment and identification of risks. Our extensive data base allows us to benchmark all components of operational costs, technical and functional briefs for the centre, energy and water consumption and the like.“

Murphy said the assignment for NCH Capital in Kiev was similar in scope to a variety of projects undertaken by the facilities management consulting team for clients in Southern Africa. These have included assignments for Canal Walk, Cape Town’s largest shopping centre, the University of Cape Town, Eskom, the Malawi Property Investment Company and Mhlume Sugar in Swaziland.

“ We have not encountered any language or other problems in our first assignment in Eastern Europe.  An engineering design and services review is exactly that, whether it’s in Asia, Africa, America or Europe. English is widely spoken and a London-based company is overseeing the turnkey renovation project.”

The facilities management services being provided by Old Mutual Properties are part of a wider contract won by the company.  Leasing, marketing and operational support services are also being provided for Univermag Ukraina.

ISSUED FOR Old Mutual Properties
BY Michael Kerkhoff & Associates
ENQUIRIES Richard Murphy 021 530 4538/4547