Seren Park - Cladding Replacement

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.

We will be contacting residents in each section separately in advance of works starting in their vicinity and keep them updated throughout.

Should any residents require assistance with 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 accidently hit the scaffolding, please let us know immediately to enable us to carry out any necessary safety checks.

Sections 1-4

Scaffolding to these sections is essentially complete with just the top level of Section 4 linking into Section 5 remaining, this will be completed as the podium Section 5 is erected. Work to remove the existing cladding systems on these sections is virtually complete where accessible from the scaffold.

The fitting of the final rail and insulation for the cladding systems is nearing completion on Sections 1 and 2 and well underway on part of Section 3 with the exception of the area on the corner of block C2 where the scaffolding was re-designed. The removal and subsequent installation of the new cavity wall insulation and covering cement boards is underway and will be completed shortly, for follow on insulation and render. Section 4 Rockpanel cladding support rail installation will accelerate once the new balcony/cladding flashings are on site w/c 19th September.

Zinc cladding works, Rockpanel installation and render works on Section 1, will commence in earnest from 20th September following the numerous material deliveries that week. Section 2 works as above, will follow closely after. Letters will be posted to properties where render works are taking place as this will require a greater amount of visits on residents' balconies.

Zinc cladding installation will only directly affect residents on the roof terraces and top-level balconies and Rockpanel installation will only directly affect residents with balconies on Section 4. Again, these residents will be notified by letter when works are commencing.

Sections 5 & 6 (Podium area)

Scaffold erection to Section 5 has commenced and as a reminder, this will also include a small area of Section 6 beside the podium exit on block B2 as highlighted in the photo below. This is to accommodate the materials hoist and scaffold access stairs. The hoist has recently been installed to facilitate scaffold erection to the remaining Section 5 area.

Section 6

The remaining scaffold to Section 6 is scheduled to start in mid-October for a further eight weeks.

Other works and progress

Stripping works to the existing zinc at roof level is ongoing, however we are still awaiting confirmation from a number of properties where electrical sockets are still to be removed.

An external balcony will be chosen as a pilot w/c 3rd October to include the new flashing and firestopping detail, the resident will be notified before works commence as no access to the balcony will be allowed until this has been completed. Any balcony works will be made safe and checked by EQUANS before the contractors leave site. As this will be a pilot, we envisage this could take up to two days to complete depending upon balcony type.

Scaffold security and emergency measures

As discussed in the previous newsletter, 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 put into action.

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 Managers are also Fire Marshalls and will make this assessment as a priority and ensure 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. Section 3 cameras have now been installed, so there is full coverage around the rear of the block on the scaffold only. 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 purposes.

We are pleased to report that we have not had a reoccurrence of any residents trespassing onto the scaffold. The previous matter has been logged with further investigations ongoing. We sincerely hope that these type of occurrences will not repeat as we do not wish to implement any further stringent measures.

Any other business

Works to the balcony areas are now imminent and we can't stress enough that you all follow any of our guidelines regarding these or any other works. The safety of you and our workforce must be the first priority.

Moving forward, clear plastic film will be temporarily adhered to the windows / frames and doors to protect against render / paint splashes. Any blue film previously installed to windows and doors will be replaced with a clear film.

The water ingress from the podium into the car park is being reviewed with permanent solutions being reviewed.

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)
• Bulk waste: This is to be left outside of block A2 next to the red barrier. YOU MUST notify Greenwich Council of any bulk collections before disposing if your items and you will be given a collection date. Please do not dump items in the car park as this is a fire hazard
• Leaseholders: Please notify any letting agents that new residents must be made aware of the works going on and to notify the RLO of any new lets, for contact details and also we are getting issues with parking and various queries from people we are not aware of
• Please note that under your lease agreements, with sufficient notice, EQUANS / RTM are permitted to access properties
• Pigeon netting is not being reinstated to balconies due to fire risk as advised by the fire engineer. Please ensure that pigeons are discouraged from roosting, or nesting on balconies as this will affect scheduling of the replacement decking and cladding
• Structural alterations made by the residents are not permitted under the lease agreements
• Important notice to residents: You must be aware that it is your responsibility as leaseholder, or tenant to move ALL items off balconies, despite whether the items were present when moving in. Please note it is also the resident's responsibility to dispose of the old bulkhead lighting from the balcony
• 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 available from Christine).

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 displayed a few photos within the image library 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.

Click here to read the full newsletter

This article has been summarised, a full copy of the letter is available within the documents library.

Please be aware we will be removing the balcony decking on the internal / recessed balconies for imminent replacement. We will start the replacement process by firstly checking the integrity of the waterproofing and repair as necessary. Once the inspection and remedial waterproofing works have been completed, we will start installing the new decking very shortly afterward. All newly installed decking will be protected with Correx sheet until works are complete.

We will commence on Section 3 from the second floor moving upwards, then move to Section 2, then Section 1 in that order. Balcony strip out, waterproofing and decking replacement works to all 59 balconies will take approximately four weeks to complete and will affect the following flats commencing from Monday 10th October. any deviation from the planned works will be notified in good time.

Flats with internal / recessed balconies:

Section 3: Flats 26 / 31 / 32 / 37 / 38 / 43 / 44 / 49 / 50 /55 / 56/ 61 / 62 / 106 / 107 / 112 / 113 / 115 / 118 / 119 / 121 / 124 / 125 / 127 / 130 / 131 / 133 / 136 / 137 / 139 / 142 / 143 / 145 / 148 / 149 / 153

Section 2: Flats 34 / 35 / 40 / 41 / 46 / 47 / 52 / 53 / 58 / 59 / 64 / 65 / 66

Section 1: Flats 104 / 110 / 116 / 122 / 128 / 134 / 140 / 146

Please be aware that once the decking has been removed, there will be a 130-150mm (5-6 inch) step down from your flat into the balcony and a sign will be fixed to your balcony door to remind you of the step. The new decking will be installed at a similar height to the original decking and you will be informed about the installation date once all remedial works are complete.

Very importantly your balcony needs to be fully cleared of all personal items, i.e. plants, garden furniture, sheds, bikes, units of furniture, bird netting, spikes and decorative lighting. EQUANS will not be held responsible for any damages or loss to any personal items that are not removed from balconies.

For your safety and to enable the workmen to carry out their works safely, please DO NOT ACCESS your balcony during working hours.

Please contact your RLO, Christine on 07766 420 977 if you have any questions or queries regarding these works.

We are pleased to announce that Anthony Amayo has returned to the Seren Park team.

Anthony will be reprising his role as Site Manager and will be working alongside Gary to oversee the management of the works.

Please join us in welcoming Anthony back.

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.

INCLUDE PHOTO FROM NEWSLETTER

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.

Click here to read the full newsletter

This article has been summarised, a full copy of the letter is available within the documents library.

We are writing to inform you, as from Monday 22nd August EQUANS will commence with the removal of the existing render cladding from Section C1 (the section that faces the woodlands).

To facilitate these works, access will be required onto your balcony. We will be working directly on your balcony and around lounge and bedroom windows, for your privacy please keep curtains and blinds closed. To minimise any dust going into your property, closing windows could help prevent this, but it's the residents responsibility and choice in taking this preventative measure.

Very importantly, could you please ensure that all personal belongings i.e. bicycles, plants, garden sets, storage boxes, sheds, bird netting, bird spikes etc. are cleared to allow for works. Please be advised that EQUANS cannot accept responsibility for any damage or loss caused to items that have not been cleared.

Please note only EQUANS employees and their representatives are permitted on the scaffolding. Under no circumstances and for your own safety no other persons should climb onto the scaffold, this also applies to children. We advise any unauthorised persons accessing the scaffolding outside of our normal working hours, which are Monday to Friday, 8am-5pm should be reported immediately to the Police.

Please contact your RLO, Christine on 07766 420 977 if you have any questions or queries regarding these works.

Please be aware that all EQUANS staff will be conducting a live fire drill on Friday 15th July 2022 at approximately 11.45am.

The fire drill will commence after a series of three blasts using air horns. The contractors and staff will make their way off the scaffolding / podium level and make their way up to the emergency assembly point at the top of Restell Close, just beyond the vehicle barrier.

Some workmen may return to work immediately after the fire drill, but the majority will return after their lunch break.

EQUANS Site Managers will be on hand at all times during the process.

If residents hear more air horn sounds beyond the first three, then this may indicate a genuine fire. Residents should apply the existing fire policy; briefly, this means sheltering in their flat and awaiting further instructions, unless forced to evacuate by smoke or flames. If residents hear air horns inside their block they should evacuate and assemble at the emergency assembly point, just beyond the vehicle barrier.

Please be aware that this fire drill is for EQUANS site personnel only and not for residents of Seren Park Gardens.

This article has been summarised, a full copy of the letter is available within the documents library.

On Friday 1st July or Monday 4th July we are expecting a large consignment of steel. The steel lorry will be parked in front of the middle entrance/exit gates, whilst the steel is loaded up onto the podium. The car park middle gates will be temporarily closed off during the hours of 8am-12pm, however the two side gates are anticipated to ideally remain accessible. We will endeavour to minimise any inconvenience to you.

Whilst all precautions have been taken, we would like to take this opportunity to remind you that there are currently works being undertaken on the scaffold which is directly above the public walkway, and we would ask that you are mindful of this when accessing the public walkway. We would also like to remind you to look out for the site signs where works are being undertaken.

Please contact your RLO, Christine on 07766 420 977 if you have any questions or queries regarding these works.

This article has been summarised, a full copy of the letter is available within the documents library.

Please note that the entrance/exit door on the ground floor of Section A1 opposite the train station entrance will be temporarily out of use this week between 8am-3pm during the erecting of scaffolding.

Whilst all precautions have been taken, we would like to take this opportunity to remind you that there are currently works being undertaken on the scaffold which is directly above the public walkway, and we would ask that you are mindful of this when accessing the public walkway. We would also like to remind you to look out for the site signs where works are being undertaken.

Please contact your RLO, Christine on 07766 420 977 if you have any questions or queries regarding these works.

This article has been summarised, a full copy of the letter is available within the documents library.

From week commencing Monday 27th June 2022, EQUANS will commence with the removal of the existing render cladding from Block C1 and part of Block B2.

To facilitate these works access will be required onto your balcony if it faces the rear of the block. We will be working directly on your balcony and around lounge and bedroom windows, for your privacy please keep curtains and blinds closed. Could you please ensure that all personal belongings i.e. bicycles, plants, garden sets, bird netting, bird spikes etc. are cleared to allow for works. Please be advised that EQUANS cannot accept responsibility for any damage caused to items that have not been cleared.

We wish to take this opportunity to apologise in advance for any inconvenience that may be caused and if you have any issues concerning these works, please do not hesitate to contact your RLO, Christine on 07766 420 977.

This article has been summarised, a full copy of the letter is available within the documents library.

From week commencing Monday 27th June 2022, EQUANS will commence with the removal of the existing render cladding from Block C1 and part of Block B2.

To facilitate these works access will be required onto your balcony if it faces the rear of the block. We will be working directly on your balcony and around lounge and bedroom windows, for your privacy please keep curtains and blinds closed.

If you have any issues concerning these works, please do not hesitate to contact your RLO, Christine on 07766 420 977.