Situated in the heart of North London’s trendy Wood Green, The Chocolate Factory was once home to one of Britain’s largest and most-loved sugar confectionary brands, Barratt & Co. In the mid-90s it was converted into a variety of studio and start up units for small businesses in the creative arts, and like-minded innovators and entrepreneurs.
Now, The Chocolate Factory is owned by Workspace, experts in pioneering flexible workspaces across London. Following the company’s planning application for regeneration of The Chocolate Factory and the surrounding properties within its control, construction works are now underway for the mixed-use development of new homes, offices, restaurants, and community uses.
Panthera Group has been appointed by Blenheim House, the main contractor, to provide full construction site services including EnviroHoard™, temporary site services, and construction site security and access control, for the duration of the regenerative project.
The client chose EnviroHoard™, a sustainable and closed-loop hoarding system that has been verified Net Zero Carbon, a first for the UK construction industry. EnviroHoard™ is a purpose-made system has been manufactured from postproduction uPVC and is both recycled and recyclable. It has been designed as a sustainable alternative to traditional plywood hoarding following a campaign by Panthera Group to minimise the felling of mature trees for single use construction projects.
Panthera Group has installed its on-ground EnviroHoard™ system using its 800kg low carbon concrete blocks, along with mesh clad vehicle gate and a pedestrian gate, all installed to comply with TWf:2012. Modular in its design, EnviroHoard™ is a fantastic choice commercially – the system is quick to install, can be easily relocated if required and does not warp or delaminate so there is no requirement for any on-going maintenance.
All temporary power and lighting was supplied and installed by Panthera Group, including connection of cabin and welfare supplies, and an evacuation alarm.
Head of Temporary Site Services, Charlie Gray, has worked closely with Blenheim House throughout his career:
“I’ve been working alongside Blenheim House Construction since 2002 whilst I was an electrician. They have a knack for finding good people to work within their business and I’ve always found that their site teams are approachable and friendly. They want to work with you to get the projects over the line with as little fuss as possible. The projects have been getting bigger over the years but their ethos still feels personable – not like you’re just another cog in the wheel. I’m always looking forward to the next project we get to work with them!”
Panthera Group is also responsible for the security of the site whilst works are underway. The fully monitored CCTV system from the company’s SiteProtector™ range includes live audio challenge and 30-day recording. To manage access to the site, Panthera has also supplied and installed a full height turnstile with cabin, along with facial recognition and delivery management software for optimal site management.
To support its Corporate Social Responsibility, for every metre EnviroHoard™ installed, Panthera Group contribute to carbon offsetting and tree planting schemes with its partners Trees for Cities and Circular Ecology. The company also proudly supports Prostate Cancer UK by raising funds and awareness for the disease across the construction industry.
For more information contact Lucie Jones by email – l.jones@pantheragroup.com
