Following the in footsteps of other volume housebuilders who announced phased returns to construction last week, Redrow will begin to open sites from 11 May. There are signs that smaller housebuilders are also keen to return to work.
Redrow announced it would close it sites a month ago on 27 March, saying that it would now reopen until it was safe to return to work and it could rely upon a functioning supply chain.
Since then, the government have made it clear they would like to see construction sites operating provided they can do so safely with stringent social distancing measures in place.
“Redrow is now satisfied these conditions can be met over the next two weeks and therefore intends to commence mobilising sites week commencing 11th May 2020 with a phased return to construction on 18th May 2020,” the housebuilder said in a statement. “Mobilisation will include putting robust social distancing protocols and physical measures in place.”
“We have developed rigorous social distancing protocols that will be supported by strict arrangements to ensure they are consistently applied,” it continued. “In particular, we will have an e-learning module for all Redrow employees, induction videos for contractors, appointed Covid Supervisors for each site and enhanced signage and PPE.
“Additionally, our advanced IT systems allow us to communicate remotely with our contractors and customers. Our tablet-based quality management system records and monitors work and directly notifies contractors of any issues that need to be addressed. Our My Redrow portal gives customers access to make appointments, to complete reservations online and to choose options and upgrades.
“Throughout the past month, we have been working closely with our material suppliers to understand their production plans and liaising with our sub-contractors to ensure all the resources we need will be available to match our phased return to construction.”
Redrow reports that net reservations have been running at very low levels since the lockdown was imposed. “Important to a return to more normal trading conditions will be a relaxation of the government’s ongoing advice about moving home, which currently recommends deferring any move unless there is no alternative, and the reopening of sales complexes that remain closed under lockdown restrictions,” it said. “We will be guided by our customers to judge if it is safe for them to move.”
In the month of April, Redrow generated £62m of cash from legal completions. John Tutte, Executive Chairman said, “The safety and welfare of our workforce and customers is our main priority. I am grateful to my colleagues and our supply chain partners for the exceptional work they continue to undertake to ensure we can make a measured, responsible and safe return to work next month.”
Smaller housebuilders are also planning a return to work. Burrington Estates have announced that, after careful consideration of the latest government guidelines and the best ways to implement them, they have restarted construction work on sites as from today, Monday 27th April.
“All sites will follow Site Operating Procedures recommended by the Construction Leadership Council and published to implement government social distancing measures,” it said.
These will include staggered working times to reduce congestion and contact between staff, two-metre social distancing guidelines on all sites, and wide-ranging changes to canteens and welfare facilities for the duration of the crisis.
They have also appointed designated COVID-19 managers on each development and imposed an enhanced cleaning regime throughout.
To further reduce risk, trades will be encouraged to travel to and from work alone and both they and site managers have received specific method statements and risk assessments to ensure they work safely as they continue to put the health, safety and welfare of all those working and visiting sites at the forefront of their concerns.
Marketing suites however will remain closed to visitors, utilising instead virtual Show Homes and Sales Areas until the Government lifts all restrictions.
Colin Palmer, Managing Director, New Homes, said: “We have taken all possible steps the ensure that our actions in restarting building are well-considered, in line with government guidelines and we have liaised with our subcontractors and suppliers who are keen to return to work and deliver much needed affordable homes and homes that have already been reserved.”
However, other housebuilders are continuing to exercise caution. Scotland’s Springfield properties has announced that its sites will remain closed for the foreseeable future. “The COVID-19 situation continues to evolve and until there is clarity on the duration and severity of these events, it is not possible to know when operations will recommence,” it said.
