Phase 1 works at 100-106 Kensington High Street have now been completed, reports main contractor Knowles.

Since commencing works in January 2020, Knowles has completed a complex scope of works including the extensive and sensitive demolition of existing buildings whilst retaining and restoring the prominent street-facing front façade with highly engineered temporary works. The erection of the new rear modernised structure is now complete.

Phase 2 will consist of the fit-out of the commercial retail units and four luxury residential units.

Robin O’Toole, Knowles’ Project Manager, commented: “Project Managing this scheme was extremely challenging but also rewarding – from the facade retention with complex temporary works, to the live circle line tube tunnel only 300mm below the GF slab, limiting much of the available space for storage on the Ground Floor, to the complex steel frame which transferred the weight of the building on to the party walls from the 1st floor up to the roof, keeping the weight off the tunnel below.

Dealing with deliveries on one of London’s busiest streets, as well as the constant passing pedestrians, was a challenge and demanded 100% focus from the whole Knowles team on site – but it was a challenge that we were able to overcome with a stringent CTMP and clear communication. The communication between management and trades was essential with daily morning briefings to achieve targets.

We were proud to achieve an excellent considerate constructor score of 41, which praised this site on all levels including managing to maintain excellent relations with the local neighbours.

All in all, I can say I consider myself extremely lucky to have experienced such a varied and challenging project and certainly felt I expanded my overall knowledge and I look forward to seeing the project completed once Phase 2 has been delivered.”

Jim Heatley, Client representative at PCB, said: “Knowles succeeded in delivery the Shell and Core phase of project, delivering a great end product for our mutual Client. Knowles navigated a logistically challenging, tight site, difficult ground conditions and impressively, worked with minimal impact throughout the CV-19 pandemic inclusive of numerous lockdowns with minimal programme impact. Communication from the site team, particularly Robin O’Toole was solid throughout and kept all parties up to speed with risks, issues and progressed."