In the years following the Grenfell Tower tragedy, building safety in the UK has undergone a significant transformation. A key area has been the issue of non-compliant cladding, prompting legal reforms and heightened scrutiny across both residential and commercial property sectors. For building owners and developers, the challenge is not only to comply with new regulations, but to do so in a way that is cost-effective and considerate of the people most affected, the residents.
Cladding remediation is technical and regulatory, but it also requires a deep understanding of compliance requirements, construction logistics, and human impact.
HartDixon’s role as the Project Management and Contract Administration / Employer’s Agent for cladding remediation works is to guide clients through this complex process. From initial assessments and funding applications to the management of construction phases and stakeholder engagement, we offer a comprehensive approach to each project.
Fit for the Future
At Ropeworks in Barking, a £19 million remediation project required close collaboration with leaseholders, the original developer, and the wider project team. HartDixon’s ability to manage these relationships and maintain regular communication was central to the project’s success.
Funding is often a key concern, indeed the £25 million Gallions Approach project at Royal Albert Dock in London faced funding eligibility issues for certain cladding types. In response to this, the HartDixon team successfully appealed to secure full financial backing from the Building Safety Fund. The location posed additional complications, with three blocks extending over water. Rather than compromise on safety or access, the team developed an innovative temporary dam solution that allowed for safe scaffolding installation. This kind of adaptive thinking is critical when dealing with the unique architectural and infrastructural challenges that urban sites often present.
In contrast, the £3.5 million Solent Court project in London highlighted the logistical precision needed to remove non-compliant EWI and install A1-rated materials within a defined 52-week period. Meanwhile, at Gainsborough Studios, a £7 million project set within a gated development of modern apartments, our team faced the added complexity of residents remaining in occupation during the works, which required delicate planning and communication, not to mention navigating the process of securing government-backed funding.
Each of these case studies reflects both the technical demands and emotional stakes that each cladding remediation project brings.
Worthwhile Work
“Working on cladding remediation projects has been both rewarding and challenging in equal measure! It is extremely satisfying to be working, first and foremost, on making buildings safe for residents to live and to help them move on with their lives during what has been a very stressful period for those living in the affected blocks. Equally, the process of obtaining funding for the remediation works by working closely, and ultimately very successfully, with Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government’s (MHCLG) delivery partners has been a steep learning curve for all involved.” Simon Waterhouse, Senior Partner
As standards continue to evolve, we are always looking to deliver reliable and forward-thinking solutions.
If you have a non-compliant building, or a cladding remediation project you would like to discuss, our team have the expertise and passion to assist.