OCRA

Seven-year Capex plan and sinking fund

Freshwater has prepared a seven-year Capex plan for Oakwood Court incorporating major works planned for completion over a seven-year period.

Bike reshuffle ... please

If you don't have the opportunity to ride your bike frequently, please park it on the right end of the rack so it is tucked out of harm's way. That way the high-frequency vehicles can be parked on the left end of he rack near the gate, where they can be accessed more easily.

Bay beam replacement project

We invited a total of eight companies to tender for the project to replace the balcony beams in four flats, but apart from GTCI and MC Designs they all said they were not interested in the project because of its complexity.

Lift modernisation

Plans for the phased replacement of ageing lift controllers in 10 out of 14 lifts at Oakwood Court and upgrade of the safety gear and the door operator have been put on hold due to the outbreak of COVID-19.

Bridges and stairs project

The work that was scheduled for Blocks 10 and 11 this year is being deferred until spring 2021 due to the pandemic, because the project needs to be done during good weather.

Volunteer service for shielding residents

Thank you to all the dedicated volunteers who have been helping our shielding residents with shopping ad essential errands throughout their time in self-isolation. We have suspended the volunteer service until further notice, based on current government guidelines.

Sanctuary in our wonderful garden

Our communal garden is a wonderful sanctuary but unfortunately it was subject to several rather extreme episodes of vandalism over the summer.  We take this opportunity to remind everyone that the garden is a fragile, living environment, which can easily survive high use - but not abuse.  

New carpet for Blocks 3 and 4

The installation of new carpets in Blocks 3 and 4 was delayed due to the coronavirus pandemic, but it is finally being done.  Freshwater will issue the authorisation for the new carpet in Block 5 later this year.

Boilers

OCRA continues to press Freshwater for compensation related to several avoidable additional costs incurred during the commissioning of replacement boilers for Boiler House 5 and 6.

Fire safety measures

There is a new requirement subsequent to the fire in Grenfell Tower that all buildings over 18 meters tall must have an External Wall Fire Review done by a suitably qualified and competent professional who needs to complete and sign off an ESW1 form.  

Boiler flues

The condition of some of our boiler flues is suspect, so we are considering a survey of the boiler flues to see if they need to be replaced.