We’re always pleased to recognise great work from the people delivering projects on site, and this latest fencing project from Keith, one of our multi-skilled operatives, is another job worthy of a mention.

The project involved the installation of new timber fencing around a raised garden boundary, with the site presenting an interesting working environment due to the changing levels and existing stone walls.

The new fencing has been carefully installed around the perimeter, following the shape and levels of the existing boundary to create a consistent finished result.

For Keith, who has delivered a number of fencing projects as part of his work with WMS, it was another project he was particularly proud to complete.

A great finished result and another example of the care and attention our operatives bring to their work.

WMS has completed an extensive £600,000 refurbishment programme at St Mary’s Church in Looe, Cornwall, bringing together a range of specialist trades to improve and refresh the building over a seven-month period.

The project included the removal of old cement pointing and subsequent repointing, new windows and a wider programme of works requiring coordination between WMS, specialist subcontractors and multiple trades.

A Significant Programme of Refurbishment

An important element of the project involved the removal of old cement pointing and subsequent repointing of the building, alongside the installation of new windows.

The wider programme brought together masons, kitchen fitting, plumbing and electrical expertise alongside specialist subcontractors.

With a contract value of approximately £600,000 and works taking place over seven months, effective coordination between the different trades was an important part of successfully delivering the programme.

Bringing Specialist Trades Together

Projects of this scale require a collaborative approach, with different trades working together as the refurbishment progresses.

The WMS team coordinated the programme alongside its project partners, bringing together the range of skills required to complete the works while maintaining progress throughout the seven-month contract.

Positive Feedback

The completed project has received very positive feedback, not only from the client but also from local residents and members of the public.

For a building with an important place within its local community, that response provides a particularly welcome conclusion to seven months of work by everyone involved.

Another substantial Cornwall refurbishment successfully delivered by the WMS team and its project partners.

WMS delivered a £398,000 programme of window and roof refurbishment works at The Homestead in Cheddar, Somerset, providing supported accommodation for residents aged over 55.

Working for Sanctuary Housing, the 16-week programme involved improvements across the apartment blocks, with WMS coordinating its site team alongside specialist window and roofing subcontractors.

Window & Roof Refurbishment

The programme focused on the refurbishment of windows and roofs across the apartment blocks, bringing together WMS site management and bricklaying expertise with specialist window and roofing contractors.

With residents remaining at the heart of the project, coordinating works within an occupied supported accommodation setting was an important consideration throughout delivery.

Learning Through Resident Engagement

One of the key challenges identified during the programme was communication with residents.

With no full-time scheme manager in place during much of the project, there was initially no single on-site point of contact, making it more difficult to communicate upcoming works and respond consistently to residents' questions and concerns.

The experience highlighted an important opportunity for future projects of this nature. Regular weekly or fortnightly resident meetings would provide a dedicated forum for explaining upcoming works, answering questions and addressing concerns before each stage begins.

A full-time scheme manager was appointed towards the end of the programme, further supporting communication on site.

Delivering and Learning

The 16-week project demonstrates the importance of combining effective construction delivery with strong resident communication, particularly when working within occupied supported accommodation.

Alongside delivering the physical improvements, lessons taken from The Homestead will help inform WMS's approach to future resident-facing programmes and strengthen engagement from the outset.