We are removing and replacing the cladding across 14 medium rise blocks on the Lakeview estate, comprising 250 properties in total.
As the owner of these buildings, it is our duty to identify fire risks and hazards and take appropriate action to mitigate identified risks.
We are concerned that in the event of a fire, the cladding on the front of the blocks might compromise people’s means of escape if it caught fire.
Project phases
- Phase one: Removal of the cladding directly below the walkways/landings - completed 2024
- Phase two: Weatherproofing and re-insulating the exposed sections of the external walls to ensure residents' homes remain warm and dry through the winter period and beyond - completed December 2024
- Phase three: Design, consult residents and install new cladding / exterior refurbishment
Schedule of works for phase three
We originally planned to replace the cladding with a similar system, however, with the cladding removed, and having had the opportunity to survey each building on the estate in more detail, we are now planning to undertake a full exterior refurbishment of each block.
The refurbishment, which could potentially include new windows and doors, will improve the condition, appearance and energy efficiency of the affected properties. The wider refurbishment project will also reduce disruption in future years.
We have already begun working with Bailey Partnership to produce designs and plan the works that will improve the standard and quality of these homes.
Planning consent is generally required when significant changes to a building’s appearance are proposed.
The following table shows the stages involved in the planned refurbishment works and indicative timings:
| Date | Stage |
|---|---|
| May 2025 | Additional surveys to support development of appropriate design details |
| June 2025 | Leaseholder consultation commences Planning application submitted |
| September 2025 | Planning decision and anticipated commencement of procurement |
| December 2025 | Contractor selection |
| April 2026 | Works start |
Increasing the scope and complexity of the works increases the length of the project and it may take several years for all blocks to be refurbished.
We will work with the appointed contractor to establish the order in which blocks will be refurbished, which will be shared with you well in advance of work starting.
How we're communicating with Lakeview residents
Letters
All residents have been written to ahead of the works starting and will be written to again as soon as a programme and timeline for the reinstatement works has been agreed.
Read the letter sent to residents about the phase two works
Read the letter sent to residents about the phase one works
Public engagement events
We will schedule regular drop-in events at Lakeview Community Centre to answer any questions residents have.
Next scheduled drop-ins:
- 9 May 2025, Tenant and Leaseholder summer drop-in, Salvation Army Hall (Sythwood), between 1pm and 7pm
- 19 July 2025, Lakeview Community Fun Day, between 11am and 3pm
Previous drop-ins:
- 30 September 2024, 11am to 2pm
- 9 April 2024, 2pm to 5.30pm
Email updates
To subscribe to email updates, please email residentengagement@woking.gov.uk to be added to our subscriber list.
Further information
For further information about the project please contact Housing Services.
Email: housingfiresafety@woking.gov.uk
Call: 0300 373 0373 (Option 4)