Project Details
| Client | Haven Village Management Company |
| Duration | 14 Months |
| Type of Work | New Build |
| Contract Type | JCT Design & Build |
| Value | £2.7 Million |
| Architect | Reynolds Associates |
Description
Turning Vision into Reality
In July 2022, a devastating fire tore through the top floor of a four-storey block of flats at Charleston Terrace, Haven Village, causing severe structural damage and forcing the evacuation of all residents. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, but the building was left unsafe and required full demolition.
We were commissioned by Haven Village Management Company, working in partnership with JLL, to deliver a complete rebuild of the fire-damaged apartments. The £2.7 million project aimed not only to reinstate the lost homes but to deliver safer, modern, and more energy-efficient accommodation for returning residents.
The project was successfully completed ahead of the December 2024 target, allowing all tenants to return to their homes in time for Christmas.
Points to Consider
Rebuilding a multi-storey residential block within a constrained urban estate presented several key challenges:
Site Constraints and Access:
Live Community Environment:
Regulatory and Safety Arrangements:
Solutions & Technical Specifications
We implemented a series of robust and innovative solutions to overcome constraints and deliver a resilient new building:
Smart Logistics Management:
- Smaller, more frequent deliveries to suit the restricted access.
- All residents kept informed of works and potential temporary road closures.
- Deliveries scheduled outside rush hour to minimise disruption.
Enhanced Fire Safety Design:
- Installation of modern fire safety systems, including upgraded cavity fire barriers to prevent concealed fire spread.
- Improved compartmentation, fire-stopping, alarms, and compliance with the latest safety standards.
Modern Build Specification:
- High-performance insulation and building fabric upgrades for energy efficiency.
- Robust external materials to enhance long-term durability.
- Contemporary internal finishes providing comfortable, modern living spaces.
Accessibility & Inclusivity:
- Improved internal layouts, communal areas, and safe access routes designed to meet modern accessibility standards.
The People Behind the Project
Community Impact
This project is far more than a rebuild—it represents the restoration of a community.
The new apartments provide residents with:
- A safer, more resilient building
- Improved energy efficiency
- Modern, comfortable homes
- Renewed confidence after a traumatic event
Delivering the project before Christmas 2024 meant displaced tenants could return home for the holidays, marking a positive and symbolic milestone for the Haven Village community.
Company Statement.
The Gelder Group team are immensely proud to have delivered the rebuild at Haven Village. Through professionalism, clear communication, and unwavering commitment, we ensured residents could return to safe, high-quality homes ahead of schedule. The redevelopment has enhanced the long-term value and sustainability of the property, strengthening local housing provision for years to come
