Podium Works

We would like to update you on the progress of the scaffolding to the building. As you will have seen scaffolding is now well underway at both ends of the building adjacent Restell Close. The scaffolding will continue being erected to the rear of the building adjacent to the access roadway until all rear elevations have been scaffolded. It is anticipated that this will be the end of June 2022.

The scaffolding to the elevations facing the podium have been scheduled to commence in July 2022. This follows investigations by our Structural Engineer into the construction of the podium; the precise method on construction found to be used means there is an increased risk as it is too weak to allow a scaffold to be stood on it directly. Risk mitigation means it requires steel beams.

To allow the beams to be laid on the podium, the swarf walls and fences adjacent the entrance doorways and around the gardens of the podium level flats must be removed. They will be reinstated following completion of the cladding works in Jun 2023. The steelwork and associated scaffold will therefore make the gardens of the podium level flats unusable during this time.

The Structural Engineer is currently finalising their design and once completed we will be able to update you further.

EQUANS, Martin Arnold and the RTM are currently working with the BSF to ensure that these additional structural loading works to the podium will be Government-funded and the cost will not fall to leaseholders.

The use of the steel beams at odium level means that we do not have to put large numbers of props in the car parking area beneath the podium, which would have meant substantial numbers of car parking spaces being out of use for long period of time. We appreciate the steel beams will be an inconvenience, however we agree it is preferable to the loss of many car parking spaces.

Parking around site and vehicle access has been extremely tight. In order to reduce the footprint of the scaffolding sticking out around the outside of the building and so minimise disruption to services like bin collection etc. it will now be necessary to fit some of the support poles directly through the decking of the majority of the balconies. We confirm that those affected balconies will need to be cleared to allow the poles to be fitted.

We confirm that your balcony needs to be cleared to allow the scaffold pole to be fitted. Once completed items can be put back on the balcony until we are ready to remove your cladding. However, please be aware that any items stored on the balcony will receive a layer of dust, unless covered. This is an inevitable consequence of works being carried out to neighbouring balconies. We strongly recommend that you do not place items easily damaged on the balcony at any time during the works. We will not be held responsible for any damages to personal items etc. plants, garden furniture, sheds bikes.

If you have any questions then please do not hesitate to contact your Resident Liaison Officer, Christine Todd on 0776 420 977.