Demonstrating their skills as considerate constructors – Skillcrown Homes Ltd
Fiona Richardson, Development Manager at Skillcrown Homes Ltd.
“The Scheme ensures all local residents are considered and more care is taken to deal with problems. This benefits the workforce, local community and the image of construction.”
One of Skillcrown’s completed projects was the development of 13 two and three-bedroomed apartments in Greenhithe, Kent, complete with underground parking for housing association client, Hyde New Build Ltd. Located in a busy area, the site previously housed workshops and is surrounded by residential properties, a restaurant and a gymnasium.
Forging productive relationships with the local residents, site manager Billy Kaye issued newsletters to the neighbouring homes and businesses, as well as maintaining ongoing face-to-face liaison with those most affected by the work.
Just a few of the many goodwill gestures carried out for the neighbours included the re-pointing of a resident’s chimney and the donation of materials for local projects.
Describing the unique challenges of this project, Fiona said:
“The main challenges have been working alongside the gym and being surrounded by neighbours on both sides. We have maintained daily face to face contact with neighbours and the gym to ensure any problems are dealt with swiftly. We have also approved goodwill gestures to neighbours including the donation of materials.”
Another important consideration during the work in this busy neighbourhood was ensuring a traffic management plan was in place, with deliveries planned in advance and fully attended.
Skillcrown Homes Ltd has been developing homes for over 20 years and is based in Bromley, operating across South London, Croydon, Lewisham, Bromley, Bexley and Southwark. Some of its other recent projects building affordable homes for Hyde New Build Ltd include developments at Tamworth Place, Croydon, and Nightingale Grove in Hither Green, Lewisham.
Skillcrown has also undertaken similar projects for clients Hexagon Housing in Plumstead, Orbit Homes in Dartford and Amicus Horizon.
