Background: College House, located within the prestigious Winckley Square Conservation Area, is a Grade II listed Victorian mid-terrace property. Formerly part of Preston Catholic College and later used as office space, the building had been vacant since the mid-2010s. This prime city center location, combined with the nationwide increase in crime and homelessness, made College House a target for forced entry by vandals, thieves, and the homeless.
A nearby property, Tokyo Joes/Evoque Nightclub, faced a similar fate in May 2022, when it was broken into, damaged, and ultimately destroyed by fire. With the risk of College House suffering a similar outcome, its owner, in collaboration with the local council, urgently sought a reliable contractor to restore and secure the building.
CityGroup Approach: CityGroup was selected due to our reputation for comprehensive Facilities Management Services and In-house Managed Service Provisions. We implemented a swift, coordinated 24-hour Crisis Management plan to ensure the safety, security, and structural integrity of College House, preventing further damage and forced entry.
Key Services Provided:
Initial Site Safety Inspection – Envirosafe: Our first step was to enlist Envirosafe, a trusted Health and Safety Consultancy, to conduct a comprehensive safety inspection of College House. Their team carried out a detailed internal and external site inspection, assessing the building for any hazards to ensure the safety of future contractors and identify vulnerable areas prone to intrusion. The inspection included a full asbestos report, which came back clear, allowing us to proceed with the necessary work.
Isolations – CityGroup: To prepare for repair and maintenance, CityGroup isolated all utilities and systems that posed potential hazards during the restoration process. This was crucial for ensuring a controlled and safe working environment for the contractors on-site.
Full Clear Out Including Needle Sweep – CityGroup: Upon securing the building, CityGroup conducted a complete clear-out of the premises, including a thorough needle sweep to remove all hazardous materials and ensure a safe, clean environment. This was particularly important given the history of forced entry and occupation by trespassers.
Security/Vulnerability Assessment – CityGroup: CityGroup’s security specialists conducted a detailed vulnerability assessment of College House. This helped identify all possible entry points and weak areas that could be exploited by trespassers or vandals.
Securing All Entry Points – CityGroup: After the vulnerability assessment, CityGroup took swift action to secure the building. All accessible entry points—including windows and doors on the ground, first, and top floors—were sealed using steel sheeting. Additionally, areas of the roof that had been used for illegal access were securely boarded from the inside to prevent further intrusions.
Manned Guarding – CityGroup: To prevent further unauthorised entry, CityGroup deployed 24-hour manned guarding at College House. This visible security presence provided ongoing protection and ensured that any attempts at forced entry were immediately addressed.
Roof Structural Survey – Anderton Gables: Due to the extensive damage discovered on the main roof, CityGroup engaged Anderton Gables to conduct a structural roof survey. The survey revealed significant water damage, necessitating immediate repairs to preserve the structural integrity of the building. Working closely with Envirosafe, we ensured that any proposed roof repairs adhered to stringent safety guidelines.
Outcome: CityGroup’s 24-hour Risk Management and Asset Protection services successfully safeguarded College House from further damage and intrusion. The property was swiftly secured, and potential hazards were mitigated. With ongoing monitoring, manned guarding, and a clear plan for roof repairs in place, College House is now on the path to restoration, avoiding the fate that befell other properties in the area.
By partnering with trusted experts such as Envirosafe and Anderton Gables, CityGroup demonstrated its ability to manage complex situations, ensuring safety and security throughout every stage of the process.