Wates Smartspace Completes Major MoJ Covid Response Programme

Wates Smartspace at MoJ building National property services provider, Wates Smartspace, has completed a major Covid-19 response programme on behalf of the Ministry of Justice (MoJ).

Wates was appointed to carry out mechanical, electrical and plumbing engineering upgrade works at 21 HM Courts & Tribunals Service (HMCTS) sites. The critical maintenance programme – which made full use of additional funding secured from HM Treasury – was developed to build resilience into key sites by investing primarily in ventilation, heating and cooling systems to maintain operations and to ensure the continuity of justice services.

Scott Camp, Managing Director of Wates Smartspace, commented: “The customer’s primary concern was to get the courts safely processing cases and reducing the backlog following the pandemic. Following an emergency tender, Wates Smartspace secured the maximum contract for two out of the six HMCTS regions.

“I’m incredibly proud of our achievements on this project; completing the work with no lost time, and with Wates being recognised for its work on the courts and tribunals estate.

“The MoJ is one of our key customers, and we've received excellent feedback from the project sponsors and HMCTS teams, which is a mark of our expertise and understanding of our customer. We’re delighted to have been appointed to carry out this key project, which will further strengthen our relationship.”



Wates Smartspace has a long-standing relationship with the MoJ and has delivered several projects, including a number of recent court and office fit out projects.

Rupert Morgan, Director of Property at HMCTS, said: “Recognising the need to respond quickly to the brief, Wates Smartspace mobilised within six weeks and successfully delivered an intensive programme of activity across the two regions awarded. Working closely with MoJ and HMCTS, they developed a bespoke design and procurement strategy which was key to speeding up standard processes, and ensuring the impact on justice services was minimal.”

Wates Smartspace works across a number of sectors, including banking, retail, developers, pharmaceutical, healthcare, broadcasters, and owners and occupiers of commercial offices and public sector organisations. Project values range from £20,000 to £25m.