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Works update - July 2024

Welcome to your first resident's update from Equans. Below we have included information as displayed on your most recent quarterly resident's newsletter.

The newsletter will provide updates on the works going on across the estate and give you an opportunity to get involved.

If you have any queries about the works being undertaken by Equans, please direct your query to your appointed Resident Liaison Officer.

Concrete surveys / repairs

Please note all residents from flats 1-40 must have their balconies cleared. All residents received letters on 20th May and 11th June stating the balconies need to be cleared so the concrete surveys and stripping of the paint coatings can be carried out.

A further letter has been sent out on 25th July to properties that have not yet been able to clear their balconies. We are requesting residents have their balconies cleared by 1st August. This is important as not to cause delays with the works and prolonged duration for which the scaffold is erected.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding the clearing of your balcony then please call your Resident Liaison Officer who will be happy to help if you need any assistance.

Work commencing

  • We're finishing work on emergency lighting in all blocks
  • We're installing smoke alarms in Markland House. We really appreciate your co-operation with access for these essential works
  • We had initially planned for Frinstead House to be the second block in the programme. However, this is now likely to be Dixon House due to access issues with the adjoining properties at Frinstead House. We will develop a programme and provide a more detailed update on this in due course
  • We've started on the concierge area at the base of Markland House. It has been stripped out in readiness for the design surveys to be completed
  • We will finalise a programme for the lift replacements then begin work on two blocks. At this stage this is likely to be Whitstable and Markland Houses. We will update you and provide a timeline for these works in due course
  • The resident microsite is now live and operational - we will look to provide updates on there also in addition to general letters and newsletters
  • We will be replacing the refuse hoppers (covers to the bin chutes) from 22nd July - this should take around two weeks
  • We've developed a programme for the internal works which would start with the properties at the top and work down the building. This is to try and keep works closer together and reduce the overall duration between a property starting and finishing

Markland House update

We have begun work on the block by installing the scaffolding and we are now on level 16.

We have started the concrete and brickwork surveys to identify all the repairs required. This process is being completed up the block as the scaffold is handed over.

We've started the concrete repairs along with stripping the balcony paint coating. This essential work will be noisy at times so we're sorry for any inconvenience this causes.

Design work is continuing in the communal areas and within the flats. This has taken longer than planned as additional surveys were needed to confirm parts of the building that were previously unknown. These surveys also identified the need for additional works which has had to now be considered within the overall programme.

We are working with the client team to undertake the appropriate due diligence on all the design work to ensure that the final solution for your homes provide the safe and comfortable property that is expected.

Scaffolding Update

  • Markland House: Start date 4th March 2024 - anticipated completion July 2024
  • Dixon House: Start date July 2024
  • Frinstead House: Start date October 2024
  • Whitstable House: Start date March 2025

Upcoming events

Silchester Estate Summer Fun Day: Wednesday 7th August 3-7pm.

Join us for food, a raffle, a bouncy castle, children's entertainment and music!

Coffee Mornings:

We will be starting our fortnightly coffee mornings week commencing 12th August - location and times will be confirmed nearer the time.

Working Group Meetings

Following the initial working group meetings held with residents, we are taking feedback and raising these as part of the ongoing design and progress meetings between Equans and the RBKC client team.

Additionally, we are also collating the resident suggestions that have been provided in the suggestion boxes at each block. We would like to thank all residents that have taken the time to write and post these. Suggestion boxes are checked every Friday by the site team. These meetings are held every six weeks.

If you would like a formal invite to the next Working Group Meeting, please contact RBKC's Resident Liaison Officer, Jillian Innis on 07968 379 234 or by email at capital.investment@rbkc.gov.uk

Building Safety - Fire and structure

All four buildings are covered by the Building Safety Act 2022 which aims to make sure buildings are even safer in terms of fire and structural safety. Most importantly residents should always feel safe in their homes.

The following fire safety improvements are being made:

To your home:

  • Fire alarms: hallway, living room, kitchen, bedrooms and cupboards if required (LD1)
  • Sprinklers
  • Fire door: Separating living space and sleeping area (so you can get out safely)
  • Fire stopping: Sealing any spaces where fire/smoke could go through) and compartmentation works (keeping and stopping fire/smoke from going anywhere in the building)

To lobby and communal areas:

  • Sprinklers
  • Removal of the glass in the stair area - replacing it with improved fire resistance
  • Improved smoke vents
  • Dry riser will be moved to open area near the stairs on every floor
  • Lift being upgraded as close to fire fighting lifts

To flats and communal areas:

  • Evacuation system: Sound in the flats and a fire panel in the communal area for the London Fire Brigade

Kensington and Council Council wants to make sure that resident voices are always heard as residents are most familiar with their buildings.

You can meet your Building Safety Manager, Tina Mistry and Project Manager, Paul Folkes at the Family Fun Day on 7th August.

To contact Tina please call 07811 722 880 or email buildingsafetymanager@rbkc.gov.uk.

Please click here to view a copy of the full Resident's Newsletter.