Work to restart at ex UX Embassy in Grosvenor square

23 April 2020

24-31 Grosvenor Square Development – Return to Site Following Recent Closure

Dear Neighbour,

Further to our communication dated 25th March 2020, in which we advised you of the temporary closure of our project at 24-31 Grosvenor Square, we would like to provide an additional update.

Our project closed at the outset of the initial nationwide ‘lockdown’ for it was unclear at that point if construction activities were permitted to continue, how personnel could commute to and from Central London, and how social distancing could be managed in the workplace. The Secretary of State has now confirmed, in an open letter to the construction industry, that construction activities are expected to continue through the lockdown period. The Construction Leadership Council (CLC) have issued a guidance document, entitled Site Operating Procedures, which offers advice in respect of social distancing in the work place. Meanwhile Careys have looked at a range of options to deal with commuting constraints, including travelling out of peak times, using private cars, and providing minibuses to commute as worker cohorts, all as suggested by the CLC guidance. We are satisfied that the project now has a method of working and commuting that addresses the original concerns.

We’ve taken measures to ensure government guidelines are upheld during our works, including a one way access/egress from street level together with one way systems around the site and the welfare, as well as staggering shifts and breaks to minimise crowding and to ensure a 2m social distance can be implemented at all times. Though exceptions are permitted under the CLC guidelines, the health and well-being of our employees and contractors is paramount and we are ensuring that all are adhering to the Government and Public Health England’s advice around social distancing and safe working at these times.

It is therefore proposed to reopen the site from 27th April 2020 with the new way of working introduced, on a phased basis, so that activities gradually increase over a number of weeks starting with demolition, followed by cart-away activities thereafter. Careys acknowledge that demolition activities can cause a certain degree of noise, more noticeable when ambient background levels are reduced as is the current case. Therefore, we assure you that all endeavours will be made to mitigate any disturbance and best practicable means be employed for all activities.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding the construction works or COVID-19 Management Plan at 24- 31 Grosvenor Square, please contact Community Liaison Officer Alahna Dunbar at 07703 837 913 or via Alahna.Dunbar@careysplc.co.uk. For more information about the project, or if you have any enquiries in relation to the development please visit www.30grosvenorsquare.com or email 30grosvenorsquare@fourcommunications.com.

If you have any questions or concerns to submit to Westminster City Council, please contact Joe Kennedy at 020 7641 6355.

With kind regards,
Alahna Dunbar Community Liaison Officer

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