Case Study Overview
Pure Block Management was instructed to oversee the external refurbishment of Kirbys, in East Terrace, Whitby — a Grade II listed building situated within a conservation area.
This was a complex heritage-led scheme, requiring sensitive restoration of stonework, railings, and communal features, alongside the resolution of unforeseen structural issues.
Our primary role was to act as the intermediary between the principal contractor, the building surveyor, and the leaseholders.
With works of this scale inevitably affecting the day-to-day lives of residents, clear, consistent communication and effective coordination were essential to the project’s success.
What we did
Our focus was on keeping all parties aligned while maintaining compliance and minimising disruption. Our work included:
- Managing resident impact - Scaffolding, noise, and restricted access inevitably affected those living within the block. Managing expectations and minimising disruption was a priority. Queries and concerns from residents were dealt with promptly, helping to reduce stress and maintain cooperation.
- Working to Listed Building Constraints - All works had to comply with conservation regulations and retain heritage character. We ensured all statutory requirements were met, including Section 20 consultation, listed building consent, and Building Safety Act obligations.
- Making health & safety a priority - Health & safety remained central to all works, with resident safety prioritised throughout.
- Overcoming unforeseen structural issues - Urgent remedial works were required to the front elevation balcony once defects were uncovered. Swift escalation and resolution avoided costly delays.
- Ensuring clear communication - We provided weekly updates and held structured site meetings to ensure leaseholders remained fully informed.
- Kept the project on schedule – By being transparent with all throughout, even when unexpected challenges required programme changes, we built trust and provided a single point of contact for the principal contractor, surveyor and clients, streamlining decisions and keeping the project moving.
Outcome
By prioritising compliance, communication, and cooperation, Pure Block Management ensured the project was completed safely, transparently, and with residents at the heart of the process.
Importantly, it was completed to a high standard, restoring both the appearance and integrity of Kirbys while preserving its heritage character.
Full external refurbishment was delivered in compliance with conservation and building safety legislation and leaseholders were kept consistently informed and engaged throughout, reducing potential disputes or frustration.
Effective collaboration between contractor, surveyor and residents was facilitated by Pure Block Management’s intermediary role.
