Moving 60,000 Books for Wokingham Borough Council

In 2022, Wokingham Borough Council completed the construction of their new Carnival Hub, a multifunctional facility that includes a new library, gymnasium, swimming pool, crèche, and café. Bishop's Move was awarded the contract to relocate the old library into the new location. Following the closure of the old site on September 3rd, the move commenced on Monday, September 5th.

Project Scope

Bishop’s Move was tasked with relocating the old library to the new Carnival Hub. This involved moving 60,000 books, CDs, and DVDs, which encompassed a total of 1,046 linear metres of shelving. The project also included relocating 20% of the existing shelving and the office for all library support staff.

Client's Requirements

The client required the move to be completed within 5 working days to meet the new library's opening date. Specific requirements included:

• Early movement of shelving to allow the fit-out contractor to install new end panels to suit the new design.
• Sequential packing and unpacking of 1,046 metres of materials.
• Consideration of mixed formats of materials.
• Relocation of the book stock room.
• Relocation of support offices.

Detailed Project Execution

The Move

Items Moved: 60,000 Books, CDs, and DVDs
Moved From: Wokingham
Moved To: Wokingham
Number of Phases: 1
Key Concerns:

• Sequential packing, movement, and unpacking of all materials by multiple teams working simultaneously to deliver the move on time.
• Handling mixed formats of materials.
• Ensuring accurate mapping of locations due to the sequential, not shelf-to-shelf, move.

Execution and Management

Following initial planning meetings, the move was programmed over a period of 5 days, within a 2-week window. Bishop’s Move provided a Project Director to oversee the move and liaise closely with the client contacts. The team comprised 14-18 staff each day and a stock of 400 crates on-site to be recycled as needed. The team completed the migration to the new facility one day early, achieving a total of 300 metres per day on average, including the unpacking and re-shelving of all items.

Key Achievements

• Timely Completion: The relocation was completed one day ahead of schedule, ensuring the new library was ready for its opening date.
• Efficient Coordination: Effective project management and close liaison with the client ensured smooth execution of the move.
• Sequential Movement: Managed the sequential packing, moving, and unpacking of 1,046 metres of materials accurately.
• Handling Mixed Formats: Successfully accommodated the mixed formats of materials, ensuring all items were relocated safely and efficiently.

Conclusion

Bishop’s Move demonstrated expertise and efficiency in managing the relocation of Wokingham Borough Council's library to the new Carnival Hub. Through meticulous planning, effective project management, and a commitment to meeting tight deadlines, Bishop’s Move successfully executed the move, ensuring a seamless transition and uninterrupted access to library services for the community. This case study highlights Bishop's Move's capability to deliver high-quality relocation services, reinforcing their reputation as a reliable partner for complex relocation projects.

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• Email Us: business@bishopsmove.com