Energy and regeneration specialist, Equans, has been appointed by Notting Hill Genesis (NHG) to undertake an upgrade and investment programme at the Paragon estate in Brentford.

It means work can start on bringing 1,000 homes back into use between 2025 and 2026 and restoring a local community on the estate. 

Those who previously lived at Paragon were successfully supported to find new homes and move on with their lives, following the difficult decision to ask them all to leave the estate in October 2020; due to Notting Hill Genesis’ concern that the buildings did not meet adequate levels of safety.

John Hughes, group director of development and sales and deputy chief executive of NHG said: “The safety of our residents is always our first priority and, as such, we felt moving residents from Paragon was the best course of action and has enabled us to assess the full scope of the proposed works. We know how much of an upheaval this was for everyone, so we established dedicated teams to work with every household to find a permanent solution.

“The subsequent thorough investigations give us a great deal of confidence that we have a robust plan and we are looking forward to working with Equans and our expert team of surveyors to deliver our remediation and reinvestment plan. We look forward to people once again calling the Paragon estate home and to it being a thriving west London neighbourhood once more.”

Equans will carry out remedial works across all six blocks, enhancing fire safety measures, by installing much thicker insulation and a new façade to dramatically improve the comfort and efficiency of the homes.  Of the £72m investment, £36m will be spent on works to bring building services and finishes up to a modern standard, including the installation of sprinkler systems, upgraded mechanical, engineering, and public health systems, and completely refitted homes.  The work also includes a complete internal refurbishment to all areas, including new lighting, ceilings, furniture, flooring, and landscaping.

Dan Germann, regional managing director for Equans added: “Following months of significant, intrusive investigations and comprehensive planning and testing, we are delighted to have been appointed to undertake the remedial and reinvestment works at the Paragon estate development. 

“Equans is very much looking forward to continuing the proactive and collaborative working relationships which have developed over the past number of months with Notting Hill Genesis and their appointed professional team. We are committed to ensuring that this significant project provides both safe and modern accommodation for all residents at Paragon estate.”