18 December update

Updates from the Construction team

Mulalley is making good progress with water ingress remedial works. Internally we are awaiting Clerk of Works de-snag. Externally the paving is still outstanding.

Mulalley must complete the following works:

1. Submission and acceptance of s278 crossover drawings including Virgin Media & BT lowering of services (see outstanding items below).

2. Provision of compliance documentation required for handover (Building Control sign off, Building Warranty sign off etc).

3. Provision of handover documentation, such as Operations & Maintenance Manuals, Health & Safety files. Approved Document B Regulation 38 pack, has been reviewed and approved.

4. NHBC certification, including the updated fire strategy that will demonstrate that fire safety measures are in place for phased occupation. Also approved as part of the Regulation 38 pack.

5. Water ingress remedial works to lower ground floor flats is nearing completion.

The signage of Yew House has been noted as a snag and will be changed to 78 Alton Road.

Significant outstanding items

S278 and lowering of services

Mulalley had a meeting with Highways on Thursday 12 December following a 26-page audit report from the highways engineer. These matters need to be closed out with a third round of drawings which will enable the road safety audit to be carried out in the new year.

Virgin Media had to cancel their works on 16 December because Highways did not approve the design. This is now provisionally booked for the end of January.

We are working hard to ensure we can still occupy Blocks B and C ahead of these works being complete. This requires a temporary crossover solution and an extension to the existing planning amendment, which currently allows occupation up until 31 December.

Highways have recommended a temporary Traffic Management Order (TMO) to extend the current double yellow lines along Alton Road. They have also asked us for insurance cover to mitigate against damage to underground services and their pavement.

Once we have clarification on the insurance/liability issue, and all utility companies can confirm they can lower their services to a safe level, then Highways can quote us for the cost of a temporary crossover.

Until the double yellow line and insurance are in place (and we can give unfettered access for emergency services), as a responsible landlord we cannot allow occupation of the building.

We are working hard with Highways on solutions to these problems.

Timeline to occupation

Block C

This has not changed.

Mulalley are closing for the Christmas period on Friday 20 December at midday. Site will reopen on Thursday 2 January.

Mulalley has verbally confirmed that Council of Mortgage Lenders (CMLs) were issued today. As we haven’t received all the required documentation, PC will be after Christmas. Occupation will follow in the new year.

Block B

This has not changed. Occupation will follow BSR registration.

Block B progress 

Our latest Clerk of Works inspection reports:

• 28 flats snagged (show home and office are not included in the de-snag process)

• 22 flats de snagged (awaiting lower ground floor flats: B1, B2, B4 and B5)

• 22 flats complete

Block C progress

Our latest Clerk of Works inspection reports:

• All 26 flats are now complete

Awaiting completion of lower ground floor.

Extra Care Blocks A and D

• 41 flats snagged

• 41 flats de snagged

• 40 flats complete

• Internal communal areas are almost complete.

Updates from the Sales team

Viewings

The viewings that were due to be arranged at beginning of December have now taken place.

If you have any questions for the Sales team, please get in touch directly with adina.shaw@southernhousing.org.uk or sarah.dodd@southernhousing.org.uk

Next update

The site will be closed from 20 December to 2 January. We will restart fortnightly updates from 8 January 2025.

Merry Christmas from all of us to you and your loved ones.