Posted By Ian Mitchell Hi, One of the construction companies I have dealings with are building a five storey apartment/shops block with a thirteen storey tower at one end. As part of the design there is an underground car park that will ultimately be for residents once completed. Never one to miss a chance of some extra money, the CEO of the company is keen to see the car park area commissioned sooner rather than later (as a paying car park) as the bulding is in a prime city location. Whilst this is feasible towards the end of the construction phase (ie fitting out etc), I get the impression they would basically like to get the basement finished and the cars in and paying whilst construction 'for real' continues overhead! Is this possible or even legal!!? It opens all sorts of issues to do with access+egress, traffic segregation, fire safety, noise, dust, COSHH etc etc. I know buildings can become occupied before completion in certain curcumstances. Has this sort of thing happened before? Would this situation be possible, at what stage of construction could it even be considered, and what sort of measures should be put into place to ensure the safety of any users of the car park? Just interested in people's opinions, I already have mine!!

Posted By Robert K Lewis Ian If this site is in B'ham I think I know which it is. In general terms, subject to the access and egress locations from the car park, it is feasible once the superstructure above is nearing completion. It is a matter of planning and sequencing of work. There may be days however when entrances, or park, need to be closed but that should be included in any agreements for handover. I would not go further without fuller information. Bob