Warwick Crescent Estate, Little Venice

Warwick Crescent Estate is one of three estates built in the 1960s that make up the Little Venice Estate in west London. Lawtech were appointed Principal Contractor by CityWest Homes to carry out internal and external refurbishment works to 418 properties including flats and maisonettes as well as terraced, semi-detached and detached houses in the Warwick Crescent Estate area.

The scope of works across the project included a variety of internal and external works, including refurbishments across the whole external building envelope. This included substantial concrete repair works, repointing, asbestos removal, fire-stopping, fire door installations, drainage surveys, decorations, internal and external lighting, minor groundworks, roof replacements and window replacements.

Key challenges encountered throughout this project included:

• Programming properties to be sequenced in a logical manner so as to maximise efficiencies

• Determining a central welfare and site office location to service all satellite sites

• Coordinating deliveries to site to be ‘just in time’ for use by site operatives

• The mixture of tenants and leaseholders

Through engaging with the client it was discovered that the previous flooring specification was particularly hard to clean. As a result, Lawtech worked with the client to choose an alternative product which was better suited and easier to clean.

A Christmas card competition provided an opportunity to engage with the local children. Children were encouraged to create their own Christmas card design, with prizes handed out for the best designs. This was fun for the children and provided an opportunity for Lawtech to strengthen their relationship with the residents.