July-August Works Update
Welcome to your latest works update. You will have also received this as a hard copy in the form of your resident newsletter.
We would like to thank all residents for their collaborative approach with the delivery of this project as we fully appreciate that these levels of work increase numerous inconveniences to you all i.e. EQUANS receiving deliveries, skip deliveries and collections, noise pollution etc. We also appreciate those residents assisting with the clearance of their balconies allowing our operatives access to undertake our planned works.
Sections 1-4
Scaffolding to these sections are nearing completion with just the top levels remaining to handover. Work to remove the existing cladding systems on these sections has progressed well as has the subsequent installation of the new cavity wall insulation and covering cement boards. The fitting of the final rail and cladding systems has now started on Sections 1-2 and is on schedule.
Sections 5-6 (Podium area)
Scaffold to Section 5 started this week and will be ongoing for a duration of eight weeks. This will also include a small area of Section 6 beside the podium exit on Block B2 as highlighted below - this is to accommodate the materials hoist and access stairs.
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Section 6
Scaffold to this section is scheduled to start on 3rd October 2022 and last approximately eight weeks.
Other works and progress
Stripping works to the existing zine at roof level is ongoing and the installation of insulation and cover boards is progressing well. The final rail and cladding system has now commenced on Sections 1 & 2 and will continue onto subsequent sections until complete.
The pilot balcony decking has been installed and the selected system has worked well.
We will be contacting residents in each section separately in advance of works starting in their vicinity and keeping them updated throughout.
Scaffold security and emergency measures
Scaffold fire alarms have been installed externally on the scaffold in various locations. These alarms are not automatic and will only be activated manually in the event of a fire, fire drill, or accidental operation. In the event of an actual fire, emergency services will be contacted immediately, the concierge will be notified via Walkie-Talkie/phone and your own Seren Park Fire Plan will be implemented.
Fire Drills: You will be notified well in advance via letter, notice board and Facebook and for this you will be advised to remain in your property. This will be a fire drill for EQUANS staff and contractors only.
Accidental operation of fire alarms should be extremely rare - in the event that this happens, we can silence the alarms remotely. The Site Manager is also the Fire Marshall and will make this assessment as a priority ensuring all residents are aware that this is a false alarm as soon as possible.
Cameras have been installed to the scaffold in various locations and are only activated by a trespass incident during non-working hours. Any access to the scaffold during out of hours is picked up automatically by a remote incident controller and escalated to the Police. Footage from the cameras is also sent to EQUANS for record keeping purposes.
Dangerous Incident
Unfortunately we have already recorded a dangerous incident of trespassing from an apartment onto the scaffold and this is currently being investigated. We sincerely hope this is the first and last occurrence as we do not wish to be forced into implementing more stringent measures to mitigate against this type of incident recurring.
Any other business
As previously reported, we have video evidence of an intruder on the high level scaffolding outside of our working hours. Access directly onto the scaffolding was gained from one of the apartments so can we please reiterate the dangers of these actions and ask that you all take whatever steps necessary to ensure this is communicated to all visitors etc.
Also, works to the balcony areas are now imminent and we can't stress enough that you follow all of our guidelines regarding these or any other works. Your safety and that of our workforce must be the first priority.
Notice to residents
- Please ensure that you have contacted your insurance company regarding the scaffolding to your property and the risk of damage caused by the works (contents insurance)
- Please note that under your lease agreements, with sufficient notice, EQUANS/RTM are permitted to access properties
- Pigeon netting is not being re-instated to balconies due to fire risk as advised by the fire engineer
- Structural alterations made by the residents are not permitted under the lease agreements
- Friendly request: To help us identify flats when on the scaffolding, could you please place a label/sticker of your flat number on the internal face of windows (Labels are available on request from your RLO, Christine)
- Important notice: Residents must be aware that it is your responsibility as the leaseholder/tenant to move ALL items off balconies, despite whether the items were present when moving in.
Again, we would like to thank those residents that have come to EQUANS directly to advise of loss of the parking bays which in certain circumstances is as a result of our operatives. We are doing all we can to mitigate these issues in the future but appreciate you working with us on this matter.
We have uploaded a number of photos to the image library (INSERT LINK) to give you all a snapshot of what is happening around the various areas to show you our progress and to give you a flavour of what is happening outside your homes.
Should any residents require assistance when entering or leaving the car park via the access road please let Christine know. Our on-site Traffic Marshal will be happy to assist. If you accidentally hit the scaffolding, please let us know immediately to enable us to carry out any necessary safety checks.
