Morgan Sindall construction team at the old library site in Slough do their bit for the community

The construction team working on the old library site in Slough have carried a series of works, refurbishing and refitting some neighbouring accommodation for the charity Look Ahead.

The charitable housing association, which supports thousands of people across London and the South East, through a range of tailor-made support, care and accommodation services have a residential property located adjacent to the old library site. However, elements of the building required some much needed updating. When the Morgan Sindall Construction team was made aware of this, they were only too happy to help.

As part of the team’s commitment to support the local community, they offered to convert the tired laundry room and quiet room into an open kitchen / break out area, along with a separate office. They carried out a complete overhaul installing partitioning and ceiling adaptions, made numerous mechanical and electrical alterations, fitted a new kitchen with new floor coverings and decorated throughout.

The refurbishment had all been planned ahead of the Covid-19 lockdown. Keen not to delay the works, which were set to have such a positive impact on the property and its residents, the team adapted their delivery plan and put a series of safe working procedures in place. This enabled them to still deliver the project while observing all of the government’s safe distancing measures.

The team at Look Ahead have been really impressed with the results and are already making good use of the new space provided.

Roger Robbin-Coker, Head of Operations, Look Ahead, said: “We gratefully appreciate this contribution to our service from Morgan Sindall. The lockdown has had an impact on us across London and the South East, so we greatly appreciate that this project was able to be completed whilst safely observing the government’s safe distancing measures.

“The new kitchen and break out area will make a huge difference to the lives of our vulnerable customers. With this new facility, we plan to provide cooking lessons, which will help them move forward with their lives. Now that we have the space, we will also be able to provide a mobile GP surgery for our residents. Thank you.”

Andy Howell, General Manager, Slough Urban Renewal (SUR) said: “For us it is so important that we give back to the local communities, within which we operate. The team at Look Ahead have been incredibly supportive of us as works continue on the old library site. When we heard that their neighbouring property was in need of some major updating, we were delighted that Morgan Sindall could step up and assist.”

Formerly the old library site, SUR and Morgan Sindall Construction are delivering two new Marriott International hotels, 64 residential apartments and 4,100sqft of restaurant and retail space. When complete the hotels will be owned by the Council and operated by Cycas under two Marriott Hotel brands; Moxy and Residence Inn.