PARTNERSHIP APPROACH BRINGS RAPID RESULTS

The 'decent homes' standard presents housing authorities throughout the country with a challenge.  To comply, local housing providers need to deliver high quality long-life refurbishment on a fast-track basis and be sensitive to the needs of occupants.  With the help of Octaveward, and other selected contractors, Cobalt Housing in Liverpool is rising to the challenge with a partnership-based scheme aimed at rapid transformation.

Liverpool has a legacy of post-war medium density suburban housing.  Traditionally constructed with cavity brick walls and tiled roofs, the buildings are structurally sound but in urgent need of external upgrade.  Like the buildings, the communities are also under stress.  Upgrading homes and the environment is therefore part of a wider programme to re-energise the neighbourhoods.

Cobalt's partnership programme uses teams of pre-qualified suppliers to deliver a complete refurbishment package.  Work is coordinated by main contractors under the supervision of consultants.  All contractors work in teams to deliver a complete window and door replacement package, part of a seven year investment programme.  The disturbance to tenants is minimal, compared with traditional building methods.  The co-ordinated approach ensures that the different trades are synchronised so that work proceeds smoothly. 

The use of one-piece canopies from Octaveward typifies the new approach.  Most of the properties have ground floor bays with UPVC windows and bay roofs of timber, felt and Rosmary tile.   

Octaveward canopies are single-piece GRP fabrications.  Traditional in appearance, they match the Rosmary tiles closely, but provide a long-life zero maintenance solution that meets standards and is in keeping with the character of the property.  They are fabricated off site in a quality assured certified environment and high levels of insulation are built-in.  A 15-year guarantee is given.

The single piece canopy can be installed in a matter of hours rather than days required for conventional joinery, felt and tile constructions.  In fact, over 40 properties per week are fitted with the new canopies.  This allows other trades to access site more quickly so that the entire programme can proceed immediately.

The current programme has been running for two years and over 1000 properties have been renovated.  Capital projects manager, Nicola Smith commented, "We have a variety of objectives to meet.  Refurbishment needs to be of high quality to meet current and projected standards and avoid future maintenance.  We want to cause minimal disturbance to our tenants and we want to lift the appearance of the properties while retaining their essential character.  Octaveward and the other team members have helped us achieve this."  


More information: Trevor Williams, Octaveward Ltd, Tel. +44 (0)1254 773300 Fax. +44 (0)1254 773950 E-mail: info@octaveward.com Web: www.octaveward.com

High/low resolution images are on the web at www.ainsmag.co.uk/oc222/3888oc1a.htm

March 30, 2005