Notting Hill Genesis has published its annual report and revealed the extent of its work to deal with building safety issues across its estate, including the costs of a four-year programme of cladding remediation works.  

The accounts show that Notting Hill Genesis (NHG) has approved a programme of cladding remediation for the current financial year that will affect 17 schemes at a cost of £15.5 million. The report states: “Overall, we estimate we will spend about £230 million.” NHG expects to recoup some of this from the government’s building safety fund, bringing the net cost down to £173 million.

Reporting a surplus of £148 million for the year 2020/21, Chief Executive Kate Davies said that building safety has been a major focus for NHG. “As we continue with our comprehensive programme to review properties, ensuring compliance with regulations and carrying out remediation work where required.”

In the last year, NHG reported that it had:

  • Removed ACM from seven high rise buildings
  • Commissioned 132 intrusive surveys including 88 in buildings over 18 metres
  • Obtained EWS1 certification for 174 buildings

NHG established a dedicated building safety directorate in April 2020, with a programme of work that includes:

  • Ensuring buildings remained compliant with legislative and regulatory requirements
  • Catching up with outstanding fire risk assessment actions
  • Continuing with an intrusive survey programme to identify necessary fire remediation works

The survey programme has been prioritised based on height, construction material and evacuation strategy. In May, NHG sought contractors to fulfill a £17.5 million fire framework contract that included requirements for surveyors and fire engineers to carry out fire safety work across its 66,000 properties.

Who pays for remediation work is a contentious topic and leasehold campaigners continue to flood social media with stories of high bills from building owners. NHG is covering the costs of 24 hour waking watch where it is required, but sounds a note of caution about who will bear the costs long term:

“We are determined to exhaust all available avenues to avoid having to charge residents for remedial work but are being honest with people that this could be an option. If it is, we will ensure that costs are kept as low as possible.”

In October 2020, residents from one of NHG premises, the Paragon estate in West London were moved out due to building safety concerns. Since then, many leaseholders accepted NHG’s offer to buy back their homes at the Paragon. By the end of March 2021, the annual report states that 73 had been repurchased. Those who rented were offered alternative accommodation. The report adds: “We continue to work with Berkeley First, the original developer, to explore options for the future of the site.”