Here we answer a range of commons questions about the Communal Heat Network replacement works at North End House. If you have further questions or concerns about the project, you can email info@northendhouse.com or speak to the Site Superintendent at the Estate Office.
What is a Communal Heat Network?
In many houses and flats the heating and hot water is produced internally, solely for that property, often using electric radiators and immersion heaters in hot water tanks or a boiler that supplies central heating radiators with hot water or heats up the water either on demand or in a hot water tank.
In some blocks of flats however the heating and hot water is produced in a central communal plant room and then sent to all the flats in the building. This system of producing a centralised supply of heating and hot water to multiple properties is called a Communal Heat Network. It means that large commercial boilers are needed along with hot and cold water storage tanks and pumps which circulate both heating and hot water to every property through an extensive pipe network. Such systems are controlled by a computer which regulates the system so that it works efficiently. It also needs a number of safety features
Why are these works necessary?
Works to replace the heating and water services systems have been ongoing over the past few years. All flats in all blocks (Star Blocks A & B, North, Centre & South Blocks) were provided with heating and hot water from a centralised plant room.
The equipment was installed 60 years ago has become antiquated, is well beyond its realistic life expectancy, is prone to failure so was in need of replacement.
Star Blocks A & B and North Block have already had new systems installed so were taken off the centralised system and are now benefiting from a much approved system and performance.
In December 2023 the remaining equipment failed, leaving South and Centre blocks with no hot water or heating. A temporary system has been provided but this is expensive to hire and is not efficient so the running costs are very high. The proposed works this year is to replace the Communal Heat Network for South & Centre blocks to provide a modern, efficient communal heat network which is cheaper to run and cheaper to maintain.
Who is carrying out these works and are they experienced?
Furness Green Partnership (FGP) is an engineering and environmental consulting practice who specialise in providing services to the property, infrastructure, energy and environmental markets. FGP have been appointed by North End House Ltd as the Principal Designer. They have designed the Communal Heat Network at North End House using the latest energy efficient systems and technologies and have vast experience in designing similar systems in both residential and commercial properties. FGP approached four suitable contractors to quote for the proposed works, interviewing them and reviewing their tender package and making recommendations to the Board of NEH Ltd on the best value tender received. FGP will be overseeing the works and signing off at each stage ensuring that the installation precisely matches their specification.
Priory Property Maintenance Ltd T/A Priory Gas Heating are specialists in commercial plumbing and heating installations and have been appointed by North End House Ltd as the Principal Contractor following the consultation process under S20 of the Landlord & Tenant Act 1985 (as amended). Priory Gas Heating have carried out many similar installations in the past. All of their engineers are Gas Safe registered and they pride themselves on delivering work to the highest standard. Priory Gas Heating are authorised distributors of Hamworthy Boilers and had already been maintaining the existing Communal Heat Networks for all the blocks since April 2023 so were very familiar with all of the equipment at North End House.
What can I expect from the system following completion of these works, what is the benefit to me as a resident?
The immediate benefit will naturally be to the residents in Centre and South blocks who have suffered with regular breakdowns and for many upper floor flats, poor water pressure for many years. Once the Communal Heat Network is fully completed these flats will have reliable, regularised heating and hot water at enhanced pressures for all flats in both blocks.
The new system will be energy efficient, using up to date technology to reduce carbon emissions and consumption of fossil fuel. As all the flats pay a service charge towards maintaining and running the communal heat network there will be a benefit to everyone in reduced gas costs and reduced costs of call outs for breakdowns.
When will the works commence and how long is it expected to last?
Because the communal heat network failed in December 2023, a temporary system had to be installed sooner than expected and the existing equipment was shut down. The Project has been split into two phases in order to spread the overall cost.
Phase 1
In July 2024 the existing basement plant room will be completely stripped out and the asbestos removed by a registered Asbestos contractor. Building work to prepare the room for new equipment will be carried out and the communal electrical system will be upgraded to prepare for the new communal heat network. In August 2024 the new equipment will be delivered and work will commence to build the new system which will include boilers and flues, hot water tanks, pipework and pumps, central processing equipment to run the system and heat exchange plates which will protect the new equipment from damage by keeping the heating water clean and free from rust from the old pipework. It is anticipated this will be completed by early October 2024 so that the heating can be switched on over the winter.
Phase 2
In April 2025 when the heating is switched off work will commence to upgrade the external pipework which leads to each flat and replace the water tanks, pipework and pumps on the roof which will improve the water pressure and efficiency of the whole system.
What will be the impacts to my heating and cold & hot water services whilst these works are ongoing?
The temporary system will continue to supply hot water and heating to all flats in Centre & South Blocks. When the system is ready to be switched over there may be some disruption to the supply for a few days. We will be notifying you in good time when this will occur with details of any alternative arrangements.
Will the works be dusty, noisy, and disruptive?
There will undoubtedly be some noise and disruption which is unavoidable due to the extent and nature of the work that has to be carried out. However all the work will be restricted to the basement plant room and the area behind the North End Parade shops directly outside the plant room – access to these areas will be restricted during the works so please cooperate with the contractors for your own safety. When the asbestos is being removed this will be done in a very controlled environment to prevent any fibres being released into the air so tents will be erected and the contractors will be wearing protective equipment. All work will be carried out between 8am – 5pm Monday to Friday although it may be necessary to allow some weekend work to ensure the project is delivered on time if any delays are experienced.
Will access be required within my apartment/dwelling?
Phase 1 of the works are being undertaken outside of apartments/dwellings, so no works are envisaged within dwellings and apartments. When the system is switched over it may be necessary to flush systems through, check pressures at each internal outlet and deal with airlocks but arrangements will be made directly with residents to enable this to happen and any access requirements will be brief and advised/arranged with plenty of advance notice.
Phase 2 works will require connections to be made to the new pipework inside flats but again this will be organised individually with residents with plenty of warning.
Is there any other works associated with these that may impact the residents?
As part of these works a full assessment of the communal electricity systems are being undertaken. This includes a detailed condition survey of the power systems that serve the buildings. If it is deemed necessary that some upgrade works are required to the existing systems, these will be planned to minimise any disruption of power or services to the occupants/residents.
How are services going to be maintained whilst works are ongoing? And how will this impact residents?
A temporary system has been put in place to provide hot water and heating whilst the works are being carried out. It is inevitable that when the switch over to the new system happens that there will be some disruption but you will be notified of this in advance and alternative arrangements will be put in place.
During the works, what should I do if I experience problems, lack of services, or need any assistance?
Please contact the Site Superintendent at the Estate Office or email info@northendhouse.com or speak to any of the porters to report the issue.
What should I do if I have any further questions/queries/concerns?
Please email info@northendhouse.com or speak to the Site Superintendent at the Estate Office who can pass your concerns on to the appropriate specialist for a response.
