For Anderton Gables on behalf of Reside with Progress, Bambers Contractors Ltd successfully delivered the refurbishment and adaptation of an existing bungalow on Warbreck Drive, Blackpool, transforming it into a modern, safe, and accessible supported living unit.

The property was unoccupied during works, which allowed for a comprehensive programme of internal and external improvements. Importantly, the project was delivered by 100% Lancashire based staff and subcontractors, ensuring local employment and investment in the regional economy.

Duration:

Commenced February 2023 Completion June 2023

Key improvements included:

• Full refurbishment of kitchen, lounge, staff bedroom, and bathroom.
• Structural alterations, including knocking down walls, relocating external doors, and enlarging the kitchen and bathroom.
• Loss of one bedroom to create a larger, more functional kitchen space.
• Installation of new FD30 fire doors, fire alarm, and emergency lighting.
• Creation of an accessible wet room with cladded walls.
• External works: ramps, driveway remodelling, landscaping, and replacement windows, doors, fascias, soffits, and gutters.
• Mechanical and electrical upgrades with full testing.

The project was delivered under a lump sum contract with a scheduled programme of works, incorporating agreed variations where required.

Challenges

• Site logistics: Busy road location with a bus stop directly outside, limiting safe access and storage.
• Programme constraints: Tight 16week  five bank holidays.
• Design changes: Structural alterations and external redesigns required mid project.
• Adverse weather: Storms Otto and Noa, snow, and heavy rain disrupted works.

Solutions

• Installed secure perimeter fencing to protect public and operatives.
• Scheduled deliveries/waste removals around local bus timetables.
• Deployed a floating workforce to recover time lost to bank holidays.
• Continued structural works under verbal instruction while drawings were finalised.
• Reprogrammed external works to align with long-range weather forecasts.

Value Added

For the Community & Client

• Delivered a safe, high quality supported living unit tailored to an individual with learning difficulties.
• Enlarged kitchen and bathroom created functional, modern spaces to meet daily living needs.
• Accessibility and safety improved through ramps, wet room conversion, and upgraded fire systems.
• The works supported local jobs and businesses by using a 100% Lancashire workforce.
• Long term sustainability of housing stock enhanced, supporting local authority goals.

As a Company

• Additional weekend working ensured the programme was met despite challenges.
• Use of programme software with live on-site reporting enabled proactive management of progress and identification of bottlenecks.
• Recognised structural insufficiencies in the existing ceiling for future hoist installation and reported these to prevent costly future works.
• Employed 100% Blackpool based labour, boosting the local economy and supply chain.
• Worked closely with the Client on design changes, ensuring practical solutions where original plans conflicted with the building footprint (e.g., external ramps).
• Delivered comprehensive operating & maintenance manuals and a detailed home user guide to support the occupant in settling into their new home smoothly.

This project demonstrates how thoughtful planning, structural reconfiguration, and collaborative delivery can overcome challenges and create meaningful value for residents, housing associations, and local authorities alike. 

Total Project Cost: £110’000