Division News: Facilities, Repair & Maintenance

Gelder Group is delighted to announce that they have been awarded a new contract that has been jointly procured with East Lindsey District Council and Boston Borough Council. The contract encompasses responsive repairs and maintenance services for the councils’ buildings and infrastructure for four years.

Gelder Group has previously been a trusted partner of East Lindsey District Council for several years, providing high-quality construction and maintenance solutions. This new contract underscores the confidence and satisfaction the councils have in Gelder Group’s ability to consistently deliver exceptional service.

“We are thrilled to continue our partnership with East Lindsey District Council and begin work with Boston Borough Council,” said Steve Gelder, CEO of Gelder Group. “This contract is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our team, as well as our commitment to excellence in every project we undertake.”

As part of the contract, Gelder Group will provide a range of responsive repairs and maintenance services to ensure the councils’ buildings remain safe, functional, and aesthetically pleasing. From minor repairs to major refurbishments, Gelder Group’s experienced team will work efficiently and effectively to meet the councils’ needs and exceed their expectations.

“We are confident that Gelder Group will continue to deliver outstanding results over the next four years,” said a spokesperson from East Lindsey District Council. “Their expertise, professionalism, and dedication to customer satisfaction make them the ideal partner for our responsive repairs and maintenance needs.”

Framework Housing Association provides a range of support for the homeless, including accommodation, health advice and employment skills. Every year it provides support accommodation for around 3,000 homeless people across Lincolnshire, Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire and Sheffield. A further 5,000 people are supported within the community.

Gelder Group was delighted to be able to give the Framework service users a small Christmas gift for all its Lincoln residents.

Gelder Group Director of Operations Louisa Sharpe said:

We are great admirers of the excellent work which Framework does and delighted to make this contribution towards helping their service users to have a merry Christmas.

Framework Head of Fundraising and Communications Claire Eden said:

Christmas can be a very bleak time for people who are homeless. At Framework our staff go out of their way to make it a special occasion for all our service users. Presents mean a lot to people who have very little and the support we receive from individuals and organisations in providing gifts for everyone ensures we can make Christmas special at our services. We really appreciate the seasonal goodwill of the thoughtful staff at the Gelder Group for so generously providing these treats.  Thank you on behalf of Framework for this kindness.

Expert restoration work will ensure that a much-photographed architectural gem in Lincoln’s High Street will continue to stand proud and welcome customers for many more years to come.

The Gelder Group is delighted to announce the successful completion of a special project, which has transformed the exterior of the highly popular Stokes High Bridge Café building, which dates back to 1540 and holds pride of place on the 12^th century bridge.

Gelder Group Chief Executive Officer Steve Gelder said:

We have given this distinctive property a comprehensive makeover. The work has included the installation of new rosemary tiles on the roof, giving the front and back façades a complete facelift, carrying out essential structural repairs and window enhancements. The café sits in a strategic location within the bustling city centre and is flanked by an extensively used passage known as The Glory Hole. This factor posed several challenges during the planning of this project. Ensuring the uninterrupted operation of the café and neighbouring businesses, whilst avoiding any disruptions to the six-week programme of work, were a priority. We are very pleased with the end result.

Work to transform the historic building was considered essential and the City of Lincoln Council made a substantial investment to help fund the project.

Stokes Tea & Coffee Managing Director Nick Peel said:

We are delighted that the roof has been repaired following years of leaks whenever it rained which has greatly impacted on trade and damaged the interiors.

The repainting of the façade was also desperately needed for this beautiful historic building which takes pride of place on Lincoln’s High Street. The exterior refurbishment coincides with a new efficient till system and revamp of the menu offering shoppers and tourists a gorgeous setting to enjoy breakfasts, lunches and afternoon teas.

Stokes has been in the High Bridge since 1937 and is extremely grateful to the City of Lincoln council and the Gelder Group for carrying out this project.

A City of Lincoln Council spokesperson said:

Gelder Group was appointed as main contractor to renew the rear (west facing) roof of 207 – 209 High St, Lincoln. This included external decorations to both front and rear elevations, as well as renewing pigeon control measures and external cleaning where necessary.

This work did not come without its challenges, firstly as the building is Grade 1 Listed, and has a central location in the heart of Lincoln High St. The works attracted attention from businesses and the public, so care with every single aspect of planning and the works was paramount.

It was estimated the works would take six-to-eight weeks, which meant constant communication with the business in the building was necessary – both to keep them informed of work and enable them to continue operating with as little inconvenience as possible. To do this, site meetings were held on a few occasions prior to commencement, incorporating City Council staff and Stokes’ café management and employees. This was led by Gelder’s contract manager, Paul Staines, who managed all communication and meetings, plus follow up information distribution perfectly.

Upon commencement of works and throughout, Paul maintained this communication and managed the site exceptionally well. Site managers were also on hand if needed, and kept all health and safety standards to the highest level. As the work progressed, regular meetings and calls took place to keep both the City Council and Stokes café informed.

It is fair to say there were challenges throughout the project, but we are happy to say these were managed and dealt with in a timely and professional manner by Paul and his staff and contractors.

Now that the works are finished, we are pleased to report that all were completed in good time, with minimal delays. The weather played its part, although again this was dealt with by Gelder’s professionally and with little to no negative impact.

The works have been completed to a high standard, to specification and the building is now watertight, with a fresh and clean finish and new bird-proofing. Overall, we are very happy with the works, the management of the project throughout and the finished product.

Gelder Group have again successfully won the contract to provide ‘Responsive Repairs and Maintenance’ work on behalf of the Council as well as securing the Pool and Maintenance contract for the East Coast including Skegness and Maplethorpe.

Joe Allmond commented:

We are delighted we’ve re-secured these contracts, we offer a response and consistent service which East Lindsey have recognised and rewarded us for.

Steve Gelder, CEO of Gelder Group seen here with Scott Ashdown from East Lindsey District Council signing the Contracts

Gelder Group secures contract with City of Lincoln Council

Gelder Group’s Facilities Management & Building Division have secured a contract with City of Lincoln Council to carry out planned and responsive maintenance repairs to the city council’s commercial property portfolio.

The Group is also signed up to the council’s Social Responsibility Charter which has been launched to showcase employers in the city who go above and beyond to support their employees and local community.

Paul Staines, who runs the repair & maintenance side of the business at Gelder comments:

We’ve been working closely with City of Lincoln Council for a number of years and have a great relationship with them, so I’m delighted that we’ve secured this contract. All the work will be carried out using local trades and local suppliers so this is also good news for the city’s economy.

The council’s contract with Gelder Group is for an initial period of two years, with options to extend for a maximum of a further six years.