Project Overview:
In February 2016 Armstrong York were commissioned by Gleeds Cost Management Ltd to undertake a pre-demolition survey at Dora House, St Johns Wood. Dora House is a sheltered scheme that provides 157 self-contained studio flats and 45 one bedroom flats for older people aged 55+. A number of the flats have been adapted for disabled people. The scheme, which has eight floors in total, was purpose-built in 1969 in the popular residential area of St John’s Wood, opposite Lord’s Cricket Ground. Sheltered housing is designed for people aged 55+ who want to live independently in their own homes, but with the security of a 24-hour community alarm system in emergencies. As well as their own studio or one or two bedroom flat, sheltered housing residents have the use of shared facilities, including communal lounges, launderettes and gardens.

Our Approach:
The pre-demolition survey was undertaken over a period of fifteen days utilizing two highly experienced surveyors. The building was due for vacant possession by mid-February and the survey had been programmed to be carried out at this stage, however it was soon clear that there would be requirement to carry out this survey whilst some of the flats remained occupied. Therefore, Armstrong York separated out the costs for protection, programming, lead in times, and turnaround to starting the survey on site following instruction and devised a suitable programme for length of works on site. The programme was devised with the client and non-resident management staff to ensure the needs of all residents was incorporated. The programme took into account religious and cultural events and the site teams were sensitive to religious and cultural events that are celebrated in such a diverse community and respected the wishes of residents not to undertake work on these days. We worked closely with other support providers and around the regular social activities that take place for residents within Dora House.

The pre-demolition survey was completed to programme and within budget. The final survey report was received by our client within five days of completing the works on site. The survey information including photographs and annotated plans is available to Gleeds to copy and distribute to others including consultants and contractors involved with maintenance and repairs and to the shelter scheme manager to retain on site as part of their asbestos management plan for the premise. The survey report is also available to view via a secure log-on our web portal which has been made available to all concerned parties involved within this project.