News

In a significant milestone for the Phoenix Group, we are delighted to announce that we have received a Certificate of Completion for a portion of the renovations and transformations undertaken so far. This achievement marks a pivotal moment in our ongoing efforts to revitalise the former Barclays Bank building.

The certificate, issued under the authority of the Building Control Manager, confirms compliance with critical aspects of the Building Regulations 2010 (as amended), particularly concerning fire safety standards. This endorsement reflects our commitment to ensuring the highest safety and regulatory standards are met, acknowledging the hard work and dedication that has gone into reaching this stage.

This milestone is not just a testament to our team’s resilience and dedication but also to the support and patience of our community. As we continue to work on the remaining elements of the project we are reminded of the importance of this centre as a space for connection, creativity, and growth.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone involved in this project, from our diligent team members and contractors to the local authorities and, most importantly, you, our community, for your ongoing support and encouragement. This certificate marks one more step in our collective journey, and we look forward to sharing more updates as we progress further in bringing the full vision of the community centre to life.

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.