Wallington Towers, Bexhill
Originally part of a larger Freehold Company of three Properties, Wallington Towers RTM Company appointed Oakfield as Managing Agents, to take over from the Freehold Companies Agent.
Initially managed by our department manager, Oakfield hit the ground running and the board of Directors were keen to commence maintenance on the building.
Over the last 6 years of management, Wallington Towers have unfortunately had to tackle a number of significant issues, which have been handled incredibly by the board of Directors and laseholders alike, with Oakfield providing support and guidance throughout the projects. We are very grateful to work alongside such a close and understanding collective of individuals.
In 2020, planning begun to repoint one of the western elevations, however, during this work we unfortunately uncovered a major structural concern on the southern elevation. During this work, it was discovered that the steel beams, structurally supporting this elevation, had completely corroded and the side of the building was being supported by the brickwork itself. Working closely with the board of Directors along with Meridian Surveyors, careful and intricate surveys of the elevation were completed, which involved removing areas of brick work, balconies and pointing to expose the steel frames to produce a specification of the building. Due to the severity and urgency of the work, we were required to apply for dispensation from the First Tier Tribunal, which means to dispense with the requirement to consult leaseholders under Section 20 of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985, as well as the need to approach a number of contractors, which became a challenge due to the size and complexity of the work required.
In 2023, work began on the southern elevation with Total Project Management, overseen by Meridian Surveyors, and structural scaffolding was erected to take the weight of the elevation in order to remove the 3 main steel columns. After 18 months of hard work, unforeseen challenges and ongoing manhours, we have reached the final stages of the project after returning the building to its full structural integrity.
During the initial planning stages of the structural project, Wallington Towers were served an enforcement notice from the local fire authority, which was later supported by the release of new legislation categorising Wallington Towers as a High Risk Residential Building. Oakfield worked closely with the board of Directors to meet the requirements of this enforcement notice, holding regular meetings with East Sussex Fire and Rescue, specialist Fire Safety Consultants and contractors to approach the conditions in a structured and financially practical way, meeting the deadline of the enforcement notice.
As both significant projects come to a close, we begin to prepare for the next phase of the work with the Directors, continuing the journey to bring the building back to its highest standard.
A few words from our client, but says so much ……
As a Director of an RTM Company that inherited considerable problems I have greatly appreciated the professional support we have received from Oakfield. They have helped to navigate us through a multitude of issues where their expertise and experience has be invaluable. I would certainly recommend their services.
Oakfields have dealt with the many issues and complicated problems that we have had in a very timely and professional manner. I would certainly recommend them.
