Step one : The preliminaries – more than meets the eye.
The project to replace our heating and cooling infrastructure was accepted during the EGM held on 23rd November 2023. Throughout 2024, the additional contributions agreed during the EGM built our reserve fund back to the level required to acquire the hardware that will replace our current ailing infrastructure. Residents may have wondered why no physical progress could be observed on site, but a lot of work has been taking place in the background with our main contractors, Lilstone, in terms of dealing with the construction logistics, programme, Health & Safety documentation and further site investigations.
The key activities during that period included the following :
- Initial HSE Notification submitted for the asbestos removal.
- Site surveys undertaken to determine the extent of pipe routes in the basement plant room and roof top plant room.
- Site surveys undertaken to determine the proposed route for the armoured cable from basement to roof level.
- Technical submissions for the Air Handling Unit and Chiller.
- Development of the construction phase plan.
- Discussions with local authority re logistics, proposed dates and requirements for the road closure – prior to full application.
- Design work for the Building Management System control panel.
And now : Preliminaries done, let the action begin !
Now that the preliminaries are completed, the installation of the work site will be taking place over the next weeks :
- Site set-up currently being established in the car park 27rh January.
- Scaffold platforms being erected in plant room in order to reach high levels due to complete w/c 3rd February.
- Asbestos removal planned to commenced 10th February.
The diagram below shows the timing of the next phases that will lead to the removal of existing infrastructure on the roof and replacement with new heat pump chillers and air handling unit, and commissioning of the new equipment, in time to resume the provision of cooling during the summer.
This will allow work to commence on the pipework’s gradual replacement and installation of the new Jaga air convectors after the hot summer period, when the air conditioning can be switched off and before the heating season begins. The proposed sequencing of those works will be developed in the coming months.
