The East Riding of Yorkshire Council has plans to refurbish the sheltered flats at Meregarth and Pybus Court. Yet these plans have experienced major holdups. The restoration of Meregarth, which was built in the 1970s, was due to be completed last February. After finding a well and other structural problems, the completion date has been stretched to this autumn.
The council had set a budget of £4.26 million for the eight-figure facelift. The goal of this capital project was to improve the quality of life for residents. We included green thermal upgrades, high sound insulation, contemporary internal finishes and high-speed internet infrastructure. With the deteriorated state of the buildings’ conditions, any progress was incredibly difficult.
Contractors found hundreds of problems at Meregarth. They discovered issues with multiple shear walls and observed splaying of the concrete beams that carry the floor, causing them to bow. Unfortunately, these structural concerns have required further work, prolonging the work towards completion even more. Andrew Hazell, building design manager at East Riding of Yorkshire Council, echoed his dismay.
“It’s now looking like being into the autumn before we can have it done.” – Mr. Hazell
These unforeseen finds have led to construction holdups of over a half a year. The council wanted to find a line in the sand to stop the endless cycle of refurbishment. Unfortunately, as Mr. Hazell noted, they missed that target resoundingly.
The comprehensive refurbishment project includes ensuring the facilities are suitable for modern 21st-century-day storage and dispatch. It further emphasizes the health and safety of future residents. East Riding of Yorkshire Council has pushed the envelope further. They want to improve the quality of life for people who will be living in these protected apartments.
