PROJECT UPDATE | Phase 1 at High Street Kensington
Knowles is approaching the final few months of phase 1 works at our Kensington High Street project.
Once complete, the project will significantly transform the eastern wing of one of the capitals most iconic streets in Kensington with an aesthetically sensitive, and innovatively designed mixed-use scheme. Sitting in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, within a highly sought-after retail location and one of London’s most prestigious communities, this project provides the opportunities for a regeneration of the local community, the addition of revitalised retails spaces and the creation of residential units.
Since commencing works in January 2020, Knowles have completed a complex scope of works including the extensive and sensitive demolition of existing buildings whilst retaining and restoring the prominent street-facing front façade with highly engineered temporary works. The erection of the new rear modernised structure is well underway, alongside the following works which have been completed:
- Piling
- Drainage
- New RC Slabs
- New RC lift shaft
- New RC Stairs
- Structural Steel Frame with slab infills
- Blockwork to level 2
Due to the location of the project, a highly skilled and engineered management approach has been taken to aid in monitoring the neighboring TFL interface, which sits at 300mm below the ground floor slab.
Throughout our time on site, the incredible site team were awarded a score of 41/50 on the recent Site Report by the Considerate Constructors Scheme. The team were commended on their “very high standards of code compliance” with the “initial impressions remaining exceptional, the highlight being the magnificent die-bonded hoarding and wrap to the front elevation.”
Knowles’ Site Management were highlighted for “clearly demonstrating a commitment to the local community and the collaboration and support for neighbors and third party stakeholders is exemplary.”
Over the coming months, with works set for completing in Q1 of 2022, Knowles will be finishing the rear and party wall brickwork, completing all roofs, window, balcony and railing installation to the rear, as well as the installation of an aluminium cladding to the facia. Alongside this work, Knowles will include the crane and complete small blockwork internally before handing over for phase 2 which will consist of the fit-out of the commercial retail units and four luxury residential units.
Throughout our time on site, Knowles have made use of a time-lapse camera located on site to benefit both the site team, commercial team and clients.
With the global pandemic putting the opportunity to host site visits on pause, we found our time-lapse cameras playing a vital role in the management and overseeing of the site. These state-of-the-art cameras are high definition, and record constantly, allowing for real-time, and past time updates when necessary. They aid in verifying works that have taken place, checking on deliveries and support monthly valuations and reports as well as showcasing the efficiency and progress on a site to clients globally.
We look forward to providing an update post completion.
