Building reclad by Willmott Dixon using the Building Safety Fund

National contractor Willmott Dixon has been appointed to deliver an £8.8m cladding remediation project in central Birmingham for Jupiter (Phase 2) Management Company Limited, following updates to the government’s Building Safety Act.

Located in central Birmingham, the project utilises the Building Safety Fund – part of the Building Safety Programme introduced following the Grenfell Tower tragedy – which remediates unsafe cladding on residential buildings more than 18m high in England and ensures that residents of high-rise buildings are safe in their homes, now and in the future.

A key priority for the Willmott Dixon team will be minimising disruption for households – with residents remaining in their homes throughout the works. As a result, the contractor has established a resident liaison officer to keep communication channels open, allowing those living in the building undergoing work to stay informed and involved as well as ask questions.

Michelle Cotterill, director at Willmott Dixon, said: “Recladding has been a top priority since the government announced the Building Safety Fund in March 2020, so we’re really pleased to be supporting Jupiter (Phase 2) Management Company Limited with carrying out this important work.

“We recognise that the works may cause unavoidable disruption, but we plan to minimise interruptions as much as possible, with our resident liaison officer playing a vital role in keeping people up to date, answering questions, and acting as the go between for residents and the delivery team. As a result, they will be based on-site for the duration of the project to build community links and keep communication channels open.

“It’s never been more important to ensure our buildings are up to scratch, and while there will be short term disruption, we hope this project will bring residents and the surrounding community peace of mind.”

The scheme, which is being project managed by Ridge and Partners LLP, will see the removal and replacement of the existing seven-storey façade. The new exterior was designed by Design Engine Architects and includes a mix of render, brickwork, and timber to give the building a new lease of life.

Work has begun on-site, with the project due to last for around 16-months.