Harewood Court, Hove

Harewood Court in the seaside resort of Hove is an independent living development for the over 55s that was established by the Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution (RMBI) in 1955.

RMBI appointed Lawtech Group Ltd as Principal Contractor to undertake an extensive programme of waterproofing, structural and redecoration works to the Art Deco style property.

Lawtech conducted comprehensive exploratory surveys to identify methods to resolve problems with damp at individual properties. We then completed initial specialist external brickwork and concrete repairs. Following the failure of remedial works that had been carried out by a blue chip contractor previously, Lawtech retrofitted a Damp Proof Course and completed both window and internal refurbishments.

Consequent to the successful rectification of the isolated damp issues, Lawtech undertook a full programme of remedial and refurbishment works to Harewood Court’s six-storey blocks, including scaffold and enabling works. Extensive lead work was carried out to the bay windows which waterproofed and rejuvenated the tired-looking façade.

A high proportion of Harewood Court’s residents are elderly and/or classified as vulnerable. In order to tailor our service to meet their needs and minimise disruption to all occupants, Lawtech’s Customer Care Manager liaised with RMBI during the pre-commencement phase to:

• obtain a Risk Register of tenants who were known to have support needs, including contact details for care workers and managing agencies
• establish which DBS checks of Lawtech staff were required in order to comply with RMBI’s safeguarding policies

During the works:

• where Lawtech was contacted by carers or relatives who wished to be included in the arrangements to access properties, our RLO obtained the resident’s approval for that individual to be consulted and kept informed
• the RLO made additional visits to the properties of vulnerable tenants during works in their homes, explaining when we would visit, what the works would entail and how to identify our staff; she also took care to notify them when all works were complete to ensure they did not subsequently grant access to anyone purporting to be from Lawtech

As part of our Lawtech Legacy, the project stakeholders clubbed together to redecorate and refurnish Harewood Court’s communal space. Our Customer Care team organised a Tea Party for the residents to celebrate the re-opening of the new social space, complete with entertainment from a local Jazz band. Lawtech’s site management team, RLOs and safety managers attended to share the day with residents at the end of an enjoyable and rewarding contract.