Resident Meeting Minutes - 5th June 2024

Thank you to everyone that attended our resident meeting on 5th June.

Please see below for a copy of the minutes.

The meeting was opened with residents being informed about a minor delay with the works. The delay was attributable to matters beyond Equans' control i.e. a few Architects' approvals for the project and Structural Engineers for the balcony post.

Equans is still aiming to complete works and remove scaffolding by the end of September 2024 - all things being equal and weather permitting.

Questions & Answers:

Q: Have you got an estimated date for full completion of the works?
A: Due to a few variations, we are now aiming for mid-August for most of the building to be completed.

Q: Is the delay being experienced down to the Architects, Equans or Southern Housing, and if so, who is responsible/ in charge of managing this (Equans, Southern Housing etc)?
A: It is Equans' responsibility. Unfortunately, a lot of housing providers are in the same predicament as they are all using the same Architects who are inundated with work - hence the delay.

Q: Internal damage, cosmetic damage, will that be something you will be dealing with?
A: Yes! Towards the end of this month/ early next month, we will be in contact with you to start arranging appointments for the internal works. In the meantime, if anyone notes any damage due to the building works, they should please contact Carole Coleman.

Q: The residents had a letter from Croydon Council dated 15th May 2024 with a Griffin House description stating the proposed removal and replacing of external cladding system to the existing building and alterations. Upon receipt of this, if anyone wishes to make a complaint or object to the works, they could do so.
A: We confirm that works cannot commence without planning permission and consequently, a planning application was submitted ages ago.

Q: A concern about the middle communal entrance door, which is broken, and drunks/ homeless people are entering the building. Prior to that, workers were working there and there were quite a few cables/ wires hanging. The doors needs to be fixed. We are having problems with the homeless people. I am raising this because there is someone here from Southern Housing present.
A: Please report it to us, do not wait. An engineer can be organised to attend instantly to repair the problem. A member of the Southern Housing team will be taking this up with DSSL who are the door entry system engineers.

Q: The rear carpark gates have been replaced but then remain open. Is that for your works?
A: No. When they were installed, we were informed that they needed to be commissioned by someone. This has nothing to do with Equans or our works. This is for Southern Housing to investigate and report back.

Q: Before Equans started works the gates and doors have been a continuous issue for years and years. As you are here this needs to be fixed and permanently, not fixed and then breaks down later, which has been the case. Could you investigate this as soon as possible. I think everyone on this call will be appreciative.
A: This has been left with Southern Housing to investigate.

Q: The portaloo by the gates - I have seen people coming in off the street and using it. If there is a lock that could be fitted, then nobody from outside can use it.
A: This belongs to Southern Housing for the on-site security. Equans will raise if a lock can be fitted or we may be able to supply one and get it fitted.

Q: I would like a project overview of the stage we are at and what is completed.
A: We have removed all precious materials/ blockworks off the building (the combustible material that was behind the blockwork). We are at the stage where we will replace that with Y-wall, a non-combustible material. We are around 50% in the project, the next 50% will be quicker, due to the replacing of materials being a lot easier, than removing. We will be starting from the top where the wooden cladding was and would work our way downwards.

Q: Some gas meters are very difficult to get to because of the bushes, could this be permanently removed for easy access?
A: Sorry, we cannot help with this issue. This has nothing to do with this project. Southern Housing will investigate this with the Estate Services Department and feedback.

Q: The balcony glass has been removed. Will they be replaced?
A: Yes! All balcony glass will be re-instated.

To view the minutes for this meeting in full, please click here.