Planned works

We prioritise works according to our legal and lease obligations. Fire safety and statutory compliance come first, followed by essential repairs to the structure and fabric of the building. Cosmetic or environmental improvements are completed when budgets allow. This ensures we remain legally compliant, reduce risk and protect the long-term value of Spectacle Works.

Fire safety compliance

Post-Grenfell regulations require all flat entrance doors to provide a minimum of 30 minutes fire resistance, and the RTM is legally obliged to inspect these doors every year. To reduce costs for leaseholders, we have partnered with a specialist organisation able to upgrade many existing doors rather than replace them. We are prioritising internal flat entrance doors first, and works will be scheduled block by block so that multiple doors can be completed efficiently during each visit. Leaseholders who prefer to use their own contractor may do so, but the work must be carried out by a competent fire-door contractor. This usually means holding BM Trada Q-Mark Fire Door Maintenance certification or FDIS (Fire Door Inspection Scheme) accreditation. Any upgraded door must meet current fire performance standards, and evidence of compliance must be provided to Westbury. This will be checked at the next annual inspection. We carry out all statutory testing of the fire safety systems throughout the year, including automatic opening vents, emergency lighting, dry risers and communal fire doors. Any defects identified during inspections are repaired as quickly as possible, and we continue to complete the actions raised in the annual Fire Risk Assessment.

Building maintanace

We carry out a mix of planned and reactive maintenance across the development. Scheduled works such as drain maintenance, inspections, cleaning, pest control and routine testing are delivered each year as part of the service-charge budget, while leaks, rainwater issues and other urgent repairs are addressed as they arise. Larger maintenance items, including the guttering and rainwater system, will be approached on a phased, section-by-section basis when funds allow, allowing us to prioritise the most urgent areas and avoid unnecessary one-off costs. Our aim is to maintain the structure and fabric of Spectacle Works in a way that is legally compliant, financially responsible and sustainable over the long term.

Cosmetic & environmental improvements

While most of the service-charge budget is focused on essential maintenance and compliance, we also plan small-scale improvements to shared spaces across the development. Areas being reviewed include the Tunmarsh Lane entrance, several walkways and hallways, the courtyard and the bin rooms. We are currently obtaining costs so that these works can be prioritised and delivered as funds allow.

Community works

Community gardening, driven by Jess and Olivia, has made a significant difference to the development, not only in how the site looks but also in how the communal spaces are used. Although Jess is sadly leaving, we thank her for the contribution she has made. Olivia will continue to oversee this work and will coordinate small community-led planting and improvement projects for residents who wish to get involved. We would also like to thank Helen and Jonathan for keeping the CCTV system running. Their work has helped protect the development and supported us in managing security issues effectively.