Explore Keegans' multidisciplinary role on this Phoenix Retrofit project in Bromley
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Keegans was appointed by Phoenix Community Housing to deliver multidisciplinary consultancy services for the retrofit of 160 properties across Bellingham, Downham and Grove Park, London. The project was delivered in multiple batches under a JCT Measured Term Contract, with each batch instructed via individual Work Task Orders (WTOs).
The scheme is designed to improve energy efficiency, reduce carbon emissions, and tackle fuel poverty. Measures include loft, flat roof and cavity wall insulation, external wall insulation (EWI), mechanical extract ventilation, replacement windows and doors, low-energy lighting, upgraded heating controls, hot water cylinder insulation, air source heat pumps, and photovoltaic panels.
Grant funding under SHDF was specifically targeted at loft insulation, CWI, EWI, lighting, and ventilation upgrades.
We provided a fully integrated service, ensuring consistent quality, compliance and programme certainty:
Contract Administration: Managed the contract on behalf of Phoenix, issuing all formal instructions, variations and payment certificates. We structured and issued Work Task Orders for each batch of properties, aligned with SHDF funding.
Clerk of Works: Undertook regular site inspections at key stages to ensure quality, compliance with PAS 2035, and adherence to design intent. We coordinated high-level inspections before scaffold strike and resolved workmanship issues, such as incomplete cavity insulation fill.
Building Surveyor & Party Wall Surveyor: Delivered pre-installation building inspections (PIBI) and asbestos surveys, scoped works on a property-by-property basis, and issued party wall notices where required.
Principal Designer (CDM 2015): Oversaw design risk management, coordinated statutory consents, and ensured H&S documentation, O&M files, and construction phase plans met SHDF and CDM requirements.
Retrofit Coordinator & Assessor: Managed PAS 2035 compliance, ensuring designs were informed by accurate property assessment data. We worked closely with ECD Architects (Retrofit Designer) to resolve technical challenges such as skeiling insulation detailing.
Programme & Funding Deadlines - The SHDF funding required completion of eligible measures by March 2025. We worked with Vinci (contractor) to reprogramme works, add labour resources, and resequence batches to maintain delivery momentum despite access delays.
Access & Resident Engagement- A key challenge was obtaining timely access to occupied homes. Our team, alongside Phoenix’s RLO, implemented enhanced communication, including QR code feedback forms, introductory letters, and targeted re-engagement for no-access properties.
Design Complexities - Skeiling insulation and roof void access restrictions required bespoke design solutions. We coordinated between ECD and Vinci to assess risks of thermal bridging, specify appropriate insulation depths, and determine cost-effective solutions.
Quality & Compliance - To meet PAS 2035 and TrustMark requirements, we established clear inspection regimes, upskilled the Clerk of Works in retrofit-specific checks, and implemented a robust photographic evidence process with geo-tagging.
The Phoenix Community Housing Retrofit Programme demonstrates Keegans’ ability to deliver complex, multi-batch retrofit projects under strict funding deadlines, providing end-to-end technical, contractual, and compliance management. Our integrated role has ensured quality delivery, resident satisfaction, and measurable energy efficiency improvements while maximising SHDF funding benefits for the client.
People who worked on this project
Services you may be interested in
All buildings require surveys, refurbishments, alterations and maintenance during their life.
Effective cost management is a vital component in all building projects, from feasibility studies and cost estimates to budget control and final cost assessments.
Our Elmhurst qualified, TrustMark registered Retrofit Coordinators, Assessors, Designers and Evaluators have the skills and experience necessary to enable our clients to achieve full compliance under PAS 2035:2023.
Our qualified team of Principal Designers and CDM Advisors are experienced Health and Safety professionals with varied construction backgrounds
Architectural services are provided by Keegans sister company, ECD Architects (Energy Conscious Design)
Sectors we work in
This is a core sector for us, working for numerous local authorities, housing associations, private managing agents and developers, ensuring residents are at the heart of every project.
How do Multi-Disciplinary Teams work?
MDT working recognises the complex nature of higher-risk building work and the range of disciplines required. MDT members will be brought together to assess each application, whether initial building control approval, change control or completion certificate. The MDT will also be involved throughout the construction phase for inspections, interventions and assessments of further information. The inspection schedule will be agreed upon by the MDT, who will provide a lead contact for applicants throughout the process. The MDT will assess the completion certificate application alongside the ‘as built’ information submitted, including change control details. A completion certificate will only be issued where there is sufficient evidence that what was built meets the functional requirements of building regulations as agreed.
According to PAS2035:2023, what changes have been made to the qualifications required for retrofit designers?
The qualification requirements for retrofit designers have changed significantly. Previously, a Retrofit Coordinator (RC) could carry out retrofit design for Risk Path A & B projects. However, under the new guidelines, this role must now be carried out by a specialist or a trained designer. This ensures that the design work meets the highest standards for energy efficiency and safety.
Why measure the embodied carbon of retrofit?
In a climate crisis, all our decisions need to be taken through the lens of the impact they have on our environment. If we don’t know the impact, we can’t make the best decisions. And the decisions we make around retrofit, when multiplied by the vast number of homes that need retrofitting, will materially impact on the UK’s overall emissions in the coming years. Don’t stop retrofitting for the want of an embodied carbon assessment, but where possible do let it be part of the web of factors that guide decisions. There’s little point in putting so much effort into reducing buildings’ operational emissions if many tonnes of carbon are emitted to do so!
Read the full article written by Lizzy Westmacott, Associate Director & Matt Wingrove, Senior Architect from our architects ECD Architects for Unlock Net Zero on why we should be measuring the embodied carbon on retrofits.
What are the benefits of retrofit work?
Retrofitting existing buildings will allow individuals and businesses to save money and be more sustainable. It will let people across the UK live in warmer and healthier homes. Crucially, it will help our industry, and the country as a whole, decarbonise.
JCT Measured Term Contract
1.76 million (forecast)
Feb 2024 - Aug 2025
Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund (SHDF)
Contract Administrator, Clerk of Works, Building Surveyor, Party Wall Surveyor, Principal Designer (CDM 2015), Retrofit Coordinator, Retrofit Assessor.
ECD Architects (Sister Company)
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