M&E and Refurbishment

The landlord proposed repair and replacement of most of the common parts of the building. We took a pragmatic approach to the implementation of the Disability Discrimination act and saved our clients £1.5m.

Description

Two clients held 74% of an 81 000 sq ft building in London.

Issues

The landlord wanted to replace the lifts and refurbish most of the common parts of the building including receptions areas, toilets, stairwells and lift lobbies despite the building being ear-marked for demolition within 5 years. The total cost of the scheme would come to around £2.1m.

The landlord contested that most of the works including the lighting, toilets and lifts, were driven by the need to comply with the Disability Discrimination Act.

Process

Property Solutions understood the importance of the Disability Discrimination Act and took a pragmatic approach to its’ implementation. We undertook a condition survey to assess the degree of improvement and worked with the client to understand their specific needs.  These included: disabled access to common services, provisions for means of escape for disabled people and management provisions to assist wheel chair users.  From this, the landlord’s proposal was reworked.

Results

A revised specification was negotiated with an agreed contribution to the proposed works.  The redesigned proposal meant that the tenants’ liability was reduced to £600k.