Bloomsbury Quarter Construction: February 2024 Update

Dear Neighbour,

We are writing to provide you with an update on our project, Bloomsbury Quarter, previously referred to as the Holborn Links Estate, which primarily focuses on the refurbishment of 21 Southampton Row and Vernon & Sicilian House.

Upcoming Road Closure Associated With Crane Installation

We previously informed you that crane installation works and the resulting road closure would take place between Friday 16 February, and Sunday 18 February. However, there has been a change in schedule due to the London Borough of Camden changing the date.  

As such, the crane installation and road closures will now take place from Friday 8 March, starting at 11:00 PM, until Monday 11 March, at 5:00 AM. During this time, road closures will be enforced at Bloomsbury Square, Vernon Place and Southampton Place, with diversions in place to accommodate traffic. Sicilian Avenue will be closed to the public to facilitate lifting of the crane.

Current Construction Activities

• Removal of materials and construction deliveries via the pitlane on 21 Southampton Row*

·        Scaffold installation in progress

·        Deliveries of structural steel.

*Noisy works relating to demolition have commenced and will be ongoing until August 2024. Construction traffic is expected to increase as materials are removed, and new equipment and supplies are delivered. Our team is implementing rigorous mitigation measures, and on-going monitoring of noise, vibration, and dust levels to ensure they do not exceed agreed limits.

Upcoming Works and Milestones

Sicilian Avenue is expected to reopen during all hours from late February 2024, although it will be closed temporarily to facilitate crane erection works

·For a brief period following crane erection works and to ensure safety for all pedestrians whilst the crane is fitted and rigged, Sicilian Avenue will only be open to the public outside of working hours – this will last for approximately one week

In the week commencing 18 March, we expect to open Sicilian Avenue during all hours once again

We are committed to maximising public accessibility on Sicilian Avenue while the crane is in place.

Public Construction Meeting

As publicised in our previous letter, we will be holding our first construction meeting this month, updating the community on project progress while addressing any questions or concerns. This is your opportunity to learn more about our project.  Details can be found below:

Date: Wednesday 21 February 2024

Time: 6pm GMT

Location: 1st floor, 31 Southampton Row WC1A 2RA

To confirm your interest in attending, please email hello@bloomsburyquarterconstruction.co.uk.

General working hours:

In line with Camden Council policy, our working hours are:

·        Monday to Friday, 8am – 6pm

·        Saturday, 8am – 1pm

·        No works will be undertaken on Sundays or public holidays.

Emergency contact details:

·        Jim Tipple, Project Director: 07522185666

We will be distributing monthly newsletters by email and providing regular updates on our website: www.bloomsburyquarterconstruction.co.uk. We recommend that you subscribe to our project emails to stay updated and to receive invitations to upcoming construction meetings.

Should you have any questions or require additional information, please don't hesitate to get in touch by calling our freephone number: 0800 772 0475 or email us at hello@bloomsburyquarterconstruction.co.uk.

Best wishes,

Bloomsbury Quarter Construction Team