Residents' joy as Brixton property repairs complete

A group of Brixton residents are celebrating this week after they were able to move back into their homes following a fire in 2022.

Marchant House on Brixton Water Lane suffered serious fire and smoke damage when flames swept through the second floor of the property in June two years ago.

Thankfully no one was injured, and since then housing association L&Q, which owns Marchant House, has been working with Foster Property Maintenance (FPM) to complete the repairs.

Whilst most residents were able to remain in the building whilst works were carried out, two residents had to move out.

Following extensive repairs, restoration, and decoration, they were able to move back in.

Bradley Green, Head of Delivery at L&Q, said:

“Leaving your home due to a fire was never going to be easy, and we are grateful to residents for their patience and cooperation during this difficult period.

"The L&Q team overcame a number of complications and challenges across a big team and local authority interests, but our focus was always to deliver quality flats back to the residents.”

L&Q is partnering with FPM to carry out property maintenance in properties throughout South London.

They are one of ten partners working on L&Q’s major works investment programme, which will see the organisation invest around £3bn over 15 years to improve the safety, comfort and environmental performance of residents’ homes.

At Marchant House new fire doors were installed in flats and communal areas, the fire alarm was upgraded, new carpets and flooring were put down and all affected areas had new windows installed and were redecorated.

Mark Newstead, Director of Major Programmes at L&Q, added:

"This has been a great example of how we can work with our residents and our partners to complete a difficult and complex job whilst always putting the well-being of our residents first.

"We’re grateful for their patience and understanding whilst repairs were completed and it was wonderful to see everyone back in Marchant House and happy to be home.”

John Spindlow, Senior Contract Manager at FPM, said:

“We understood the sensitivity of this complex project and knew the importance of keeping to programme.

"The key to the success of this project was the communication between all parties and we thank the L&Q team for their commitment to ensuring the residents were fully kept up to date throughout the project.”