Editor

The Phoenix Group has successfully achieved electrical sign-off for the entire building of their project, thanks to the exceptional expertise and dedication of Kings & Banhams. This significant milestone marks not just the culmination of meticulous electrical work but also highlights the thorough and comprehensive approach taken by all involved.

Jason West, Electrical Manager, confirmed the completion and approval, underscoring the thoroughness of the assessment and the satisfaction of all required standards. The Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR), prepared and overseen by Kings & Banhams, provides an authoritative affirmation of the electrical installation’s compliance and safety.

The report, carried out with an eye for detail and a commitment to safety, has resulted in a “Satisfactory” overall assessment for continued use. This achievement not only reflects the high standards of workmanship and professional rigour but also underscores the Phoenix Group’s commitment to ensuring a safe, secure, and fully compliant environment for all its future users.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Kings & Banhams for their invaluable role in achieving this crucial certification. Their expertise, precision, and willingness to step in and get the job done have been instrumental in bringing us one step closer to realising the vision of a fully revitalised and functional community space. This certification is a testament to the power of collaboration, expertise, and a shared commitment to excellence and safety.

In our journey to enhance the facilities and services offered by the Phoenix Group, we find ourselves amid an unexpected yet crucial development phase for our recording studio area. Following a review by the building control authority, it has been advised that additional ventilation measures are necessary to ensure the space meets the highest standards of safety and comfort for all its users.

This recommendation comes after careful consideration of the studio’s air circulation needs. To comply with these guidelines, our team is now tasked with implementing a suitable ventilation system that covers both the studio and, possibly the outer room as well. This adjustment aims to provide the necessary air changes to maintain a healthy and productive environment.

We want to take this moment to share with our community that this development will inevitably introduce a delay to the completion of the project. More importantly, it underscores our commitment to not only meeting regulatory standards but exceeding them to ensure the wellbeing of those who will use the space.

As we navigate through this additional work, including the associated funding requirements, we remain positive and focused on the goal. This endeavour reflects our dedication to creating spaces that are not just compliant with regulations but are also welcoming, safe, and conducive to creativity and growth.

We appreciate the patience and support of our community as we work through these updates. Our commitment to transparency and communication remains strong, and we will continue to share progress as we move forward. This phase, though unforeseen, is a testament to our collective resolve to bring only the best to the community we serve.

We recently undertook an essential phase of assessment to address the damp issues within our building. This issue, originating from the cracks in the building’s render, has allowed water to seep into the soft red brick underneath, presenting a complex challenge to our preservation efforts.

Our team of contractors embarked on a detailed examination, removing portions of the render to better understand the extent of damp penetration. This diagnostic process was vital, laying the groundwork for the necessary steps ahead.

In the interim, measures have been taken to seal the cracks identified during the assessment. It’s important to note that this action, while providing temporary relief, serves as a precursor to more comprehensive solutions that will need to be implemented to safeguard the building’s integrity in the long term.

The findings have led us to conclude that a more sustainable repair strategy, including the eventual application of a breathable lime render, will be essential. Such measures will not only address the current damp issues but also ensure the building’s fabric can properly ‘breathe,’ preventing future moisture buildup.

As we journey through 2023, our commitment to sustainability and ensuring the longevity of our project continues to shape our actions and developments. We’re excited to share progress on two significant enhancements that not only underline our commitment to green practices but also our dedication to maintaining and improving the building’s infrastructure.

A Leap Towards Sustainability: Air Source Heat Pump Heating System Installation

We’ve successfully installed an air source heat pump heating system, marking a significant step towards sustainable energy use within our premises. This innovative system harnesses the air’s natural warmth, providing an energy-efficient solution to heating our building. Its installation reflects our ongoing efforts to reduce our carbon footprint.

Enhanced Rainwater Management: Upgraded Drainage System

In addition to our green energy initiatives, we’ve undertaken crucial infrastructure work to improve the rainwater drainage system at the rear of the building. By effectively managing rainwater runoff, we’re helping to prevent erosion and waterlogging, ensuring our premises remain safe and accessible, regardless of the weather.

These updates are just a few examples of our dedication to creating a space that is not only functional and welcoming but also respectful of our environment. We’re proud of the progress made and look forward to continuing our journey towards a more sustainable future.

Stay tuned for more updates as we forge ahead and thank you for your continued support.

We are thrilled to announce the completion of a crucial safety enhancement in our building! Amidst ongoing renovations, building control regulations mandated structural adjustments to redirect the stairs from the vault to a new external fire exit. This vital step in our commitment to safety, while challenging, has now come to a successful conclusion.

Over the past few months, we have worked tirelessly to ensure that our space meets the highest standards of safety for all our visitors and staff. This meant significant delays and the need for additional funding, but we are proud to say that we have overcome these obstacles together.

Today, we are excited to reveal the final touches on this newly revamped area. The decorating is now complete! This space now stands as a testament to our dedication to creating a safe, welcoming environment for everyone who steps through our doors.

We extend our deepest gratitude to all those involved in this project—the builders, the architects, the funding partners, and our incredible team who have worked tirelessly behind the scenes. Your hard work and commitment have made this transformation possible.

As we continue to evolve and improve, we look forward to welcoming you to experience our enhanced facilities firsthand. Thank you for being a part of this journey with us, and here’s to many more milestones of progress ahead!