London & South East

Contractor commended for flats refurbishment

Grove ParkA major external refurbishment project, costing approximately Ā£1million and now nearing completion, has involved upgrading approximately 70 flats across two six storey blocks at Sandstone Road, Lee, London SE12, in a scheme being carried out for the London and Quadrant Housing Association.

The works to the two 1960s built ā€˜Tā€™ shaped blocks, occupied by both tenants and leaseholders, are being carried out by Main Contractors Breyer Group. Contract Administrators and CDM Co-ordinators are Faithorn Farrell Timms,and scaffolding services are provided by Formark Scaffolding.

London and Quadrant recently acquired the blocks as part of a housing stock transfer. ā€œThe blocks had become fairly run down and significant concrete repairs were needed, which is a major part of the project. So it was decided to carry out further works to improve the properties at the same timeā€ said Hannah Perry of Faithorn Farrell Timms. ā€œThe client has been pleased with Breyerā€™s performance. They have done a good job,ā€ she added.

In addition to the concrete repairs, other works include the replacement of balcony railings (previously in broken, Georgian wired glass), with frosted glazing panels; the addition of a non-slip coating to asphalt balcony walkways and internal stairways; replacing damaged gas meter cupboard doors and renewing fascias, soffits and guttering.

Further works include the installation of a door entry system to improve security. Prior to the project, it was possible for anyone to access the core stairways and communal balconies, so security improvements were essential.

New bin stores have been constructed at the front of the blocks (the old bin stores were previously located to the rear and were no longer accessible for refuse collection). Landscaping, including the installation of picket fencing and new planting is also being carried out to the ground floor apartments in each block and the main entrances to the blocks have been enhanced with white render surfaces and stainless steel lettering. In addition, a coloured uplighter is being installed at the front of each block, to illuminate the premises at night.

Another element of the scheme is the closing off of resident loft hatch access to communal loft spaces in order to improve security. New vertical ladder accessed openings to allow landlord access to the lofts for maintenance purposes have been formed at either end of each of the buildings.

The works have been carried out in close consultation with the residents, who have been kept updated on the schemeā€™s progress via regular newsletters from the contractor.

The project is due for completion in August 2011.

London and Quadrant is one of 2,000 housing associations that work in the UK. Their main purpose is to provide high quality, affordable homes.

London and Quadrant residents are varied. Most families are on low incomes and usually come to the association from the local council lists of those who need housing.

The association manage over 66,000 homes and although most are in Greater London, they also work in the South East of England.

Breyer Group is a forward thinking construction contractor which is continuing to establish itself as an industry leader. Recent diversification into emerging markets has included the incorporation of responsive repairs, renewable energy, retrofit technology and client focused ICT Integration within the companyā€™s projects.

Breyer Group offer a full range of design, refurbishment and construction services,Ā which actively improve the fabric of the local communities in which they live and work.

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