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Working in the Community - Camden

Tenants & Residents Association Rooms

The Chalcots is an estate comprising of five tower blocks in Camden. The project was the first tower block refurbishment scheme to be carried out as a Private Finance Initiative (PFI)

The Tenants & Residents Association played an instrumental role throughout the refurbishment works here. They were supported by the Resident Liaison Team and Project team to ensure clear communication was maintained, and their views listened to, understood and incorporated within the project.

Each TRA has a dedicated room within their block. These multi-functional rooms are a source of revenue for the residents and are used regularly for meetings, drop in surgeries and hire for social occasions. Originally, these rooms were not included in the refurbishment works, however they were crucial to the TRA, and needed a little TLC!

The TRA were asked to provide a wish list of improvements that they would like to see carried out within their individual rooms. They were consulted on their individual colour choices and designs, and arrangements were made to carry out the works. These consisted of replacing the existing floor coverings, installing a disabled WC, constructing a serving hatch, installing additional storage facilities & supplying new furniture.

Playtime

During the refurbishment of the Chalcots it was necessary to have a suitably located site set up. This was the accommodation that would be used by the site team for the duration of the refurbishment works. The only possible location, due to the need for incoming services and drainage, was the site of the playground situated to the front of one of the tower blocks, Bray Tower.

The area was cleared of the original play equipment in preparation for the site offices and welfare facilities that would be used over the next few years to deliver the project.

On selecting the location it was agreed that it would be inappropriate to reinstate the original and somewhat dated equipment that had been in place originally. The decision was made to offer the residents at Bray Tower the opportunity to have a new playground, which would be provided by Rydon as a "thank you" for allowing us to take up residence within the area.

The choice then had to be made as to what we should provide? The best people to ask were the mums & dads and more importantly the children...so that's what we did!

Having brought on board a ‘play equipment' contractor and employing services of the architect, we engaged the resident representatives of the block in a consultation exercise. Two designs were devised, taking into account the various different ages of the children. We wanted to ensure that the equipment and layout was suitable for those that would use the playground, as well as for those living near to the facility.

All the residents were notified of the two designs, and there was a clear winner - so the installation of the new playground commenced! The new design & equipment has breathed new life into a playground that was once looking tired and unappealing - it now sits proudly alongside the recently completed, refurbished Bray Tower.

Looking at the fun and joy the playground brings to all those that use it, its safe to say that it was money well spent.

"Rydon's generous offer of additional improvements to the community facilities was much appreciated by the residents and Camden Council. There was extensive consultation within the residents and their representatives to make sure the most appropriate items were chosen. The fully refurbished playground at Bray Tower will be enjoyed by the local young people for years to come and the improved TA rooms will benefit all residents"
Julie Selhep, Chief Executive, PFIC