The London Borough of Camden has awarded GRAHAM a £22m tender to reclad Blashford Tower, which is one of the Chalcots Estate towers. Wates was earlier lined up for the contract on the Blashford Tower but the agreement on the final price with the council failed.
Wates had received a £90m tender from Camden in January 2019 to reclad five towers in the estate during the wake of the Grenfell disaster. They parted with Camden last year after final terms agreement failed. The different structure situation has led to a separate two stage design and build contract for Blashford Tower so that work can commence on the building faster than when set on the overall Chalcots buildings tender.
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The recladding
In the first phase to reclad Blashford Tower, which is starting next month, the council Officers will work with GRAHAM and technical experts to complete the design details and check on how the works will be carried out. In the second contract phase, starting from July 2022 to December 2023 , the contractor will get materials for the project, set up the site and start the works, of installing an A1 rated cladding system, new windows, curtain wall and the other task needed to offer the best standard of safety for residents.
Councillor Meric Apak, Cabinet Member for Better Homes, stated: “This project to reclad Blashford Tower is a vital step towards delivering a new standard of resident safety for the Chalcots and I am delighted that we have reached this important milestone for Blashford with the appointment of GRAHAM. “I share the disappointment that residents have felt about delays and so I know that they too will be delighted of this appointment and to see work almost starting.” During the project bid, Camden had allowed for a 32-week preconstruction period followed by an 80-week major construction phase.
