Collins Place
Delivered for VIVID Homes
Project introduction
Lawtech successfully completed the cladding remediation works at Collins Place in Southsea, Portsmouth.
Scope of Works
Lawtech were tasked with the replacement of combustible cladding to all elevations for Collins Place, a large, multi-occupied residential building fronting Fratton Bridge roundabout.
Non-combustible alternatives including Rockpanel and fire stopping were installed. Further works included the replacement of timber decking on balconies with AliDeck, as well as window and door frame replacements.
Challenges
Concurrent Projects
Works had to be coordinated with neighbouring site Priory View, a project Lawtech were undertaking for Clarion. For example, the children's play area had to be shared for waste management and this required effective communication with the team.
Compound Space
As the children’s play area was used for the compound, the play equipment was carefully removed and placed in storage and the ground was protected. The area was renovated with a new play area with new equipment once the compound was dismantled and the project completed. These renovations were a joint venture between Lawtech, VIVID and Clarion.
Traffic & Railways
Traffic management was necessary to minimise the risk of injury from possible interaction between vehicular and pedestrian traffic. A BAPA was also necessary due to proximity to the railway line.
Social Value Outcomes
Lawtech always look to provide social and added value on all contracts. Our Resident Liaison Officer (RLO) worked with residents to minimise disruption and enhance customer satisfaction.
Youth Work Sessions
Services undertook six youth work sessions funded through VIVID Housing and Lawtech to help raise awareness of the health and safety risks whilst the building work takes place. During each session youth workers engaged with children and young people within the area as well as adult residents. A number of activities were used as a tool to engage young people and included: football, outdoor arts and crafts, problem solving games and consultation opportunities.
Community Day
Lawtech hosted a Community Day for residents of Collins Place and Priory View. This event provided an opportunity to speak to contractors, ask questions about building safety, and complete feedback forms. The event included a visiting fire engine, a burger van, a 'smoothie bike', a children's play zone, and a number of stalls. Feedback about the event was excellent.
Apprenticeships
The site’s Apprentice RLO was also recruited via a flyer posted through the Community Hub. The local Portsmouth resident received an NVQ 2 in Business Administration, on-the-job training, mentoring and support from our team. He was taught skills in Excel, Office 365, customer service, phone manner, business level verbal and written communication, administration skills, and did exceptionally well working at Lawtech.
Ship2Shore Playground
The children’s play area was proposed to be used for the placement of skips. We had to ensure this was kept tidy at all times. The play equipment was carefully removed and placed in storage and the ground was protected.
As a joint effort between Lawtech, VIVID, and Clarion, a new playground, named 'Ship 2 Shore' was opened in the summer of 2023 for the residents of Collins Place and Priory View.
In addition to members of Lawtech's South Coast Team, around 30 children and their parents attended the opening ceremony. The children were very pleased to have a playground once again, and especially excited to have been given brand new equipment.
