Renovations bring new life to independent living homes in Covent Garden

The residents of Davey’s Court - an independent living community in the heart of London’s Covent Garden - are enjoying the benefits of an extensive renovation by Peabody and their partners at Vinci Building Solutions and Advanced Building and Maintenance Services Ltd.

Published: 31/07/2024

---

The project, which has seen wide-ranging improvements in residents’ homes and in communal areas, is part of the not-for-profit housing association’s ongoing commitment to getting the basics right for its residents. 

In 2023/24 alone, Peabody spent £374m* – around £1m per day - on improvements, routine and cyclical maintenance in its homes. Looking ahead, it plans to spend more than £2 billion on these efforts up to 2027/28.

Built in the 1980s, many of the facilities at Davey’s Court had become worn and dated. Peabody enlisted the expertise of two of its partner contractors to revitalise residents’ homes. 

Vinci replaced 12 kitchens and six bathrooms, while Advanced Building and Maintenance Services upgraded kitchens and bathrooms in two empty homes, ensuring they were ready to welcome new residents. They also installed new ventilation where needed, carried out a series of repairs in residents’ homes, redecorated communal areas and made safety improvements in the loading bay. 

Throughout the project, careful planning and a resident-centred approach were paramount. The same tradespeople were on-site for the duration, providing familiar faces and minimising disruption for residents. Residents' feedback shaped a detailed list of improvements, ensuring their needs were met.

“I am absolutely thrilled with the incredible workmanship and professionalism shown by the Vinci staff,” said Davey’s Court resident Katherine. “The transformation of my kitchen is simply stunning. The room feels so much more welcoming and warm now. I couldn't be happier with the beautiful finish.”

Speaking of the additional benefits of living at Davey’s Court, fellow resident Gloria added: “I'm thrilled with the location—it couldn't be more central. I have all the shops and public transport right at my doorstep, and the hospital is close by, so I can easily get to all my appointments on time. There's also a sense of community within the building. When I step outside, I realise I'm in the heart of central London, surrounded by theatres and tourists, making it a vibrant place to live. What I love most is that once I enter the building, all the hustle and bustle fades away, and I'm transported to a tranquil, quiet, and peaceful haven.”

Peter Evans, Executive Director for Property Services and Assets and Peabody, said: "Upgrading kitchens, bathrooms, and improving the communal areas for our residents has given Davey’s Court a much-needed makeover. The project has enhanced the comfort and wellbeing of our residents, which is our top priority. 

"From the start, it was a true team effort. Vinci and Advanced Building and Maintenance Services share our resident-focused approach, ensuring we improved not just the buildings but the overall quality of life for residents. It's fantastic to see residents already benefiting from the changes."

Reflecting Peabody’s policy to work with partners who share their commitment to adding social value to projects, Vinci donated £1,000 towards new furniture for Davey Court’s on-site respite facility. Meanwhile, Advanced Building and Maintenance Services donated a new garden shed to protect residents' soft furnishings from the unpredictable British weather. 

Leo Reid, Contracts Manager for Vinci, said: “We’ve carried out a wide variety of external and internal improvement works for Peabody and maintain a positive, collaborative working relationship with them and their residents, who make us feel welcome in their homes. We have especially found this to be the case at Davey’s Court where the residents have been very engaged and so positive about their experience. 

“We hope that the work Vinci has delivered over the past decade will be enjoyed for many more years to come!”

James Mackinlay, Director at Advanced Building and Maintenance Services: "We are thrilled to have partnered with Peabody on the Davey's Court renovation project. It was an honour to work alongside such a dedicated team and contribute to improving the lives of residents.

“Our team took great pride in delivering high-quality improvements to each home, knowing that it would make a tangible difference to the comfort and wellbeing of residents. We were particularly touched by the positive feedback we received from residents, who expressed their delight with the transformations.

“This project perfectly aligns with our commitment to adding social value to the communities in which we operate. We believe that everyone deserves to live in a safe, comfortable, and enjoyable home, and we are grateful for the opportunity to make a real difference at Davey's Court.

“It was a pleasure to work alongside Vinci and we would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to Peabody and the residents for their trust and collaboration throughout the project. It was a joy working with such a dedicated and passionate team."

To mark the completion of the project, residents of Davey’s Court, alongside representatives from Peabody, Vinci and Advanced Building and Maintenance Services, gathered for an outdoor celebration. Held in the garden under sunny skies, there were cakes, sandwiches and drinks provided by Advanced Building and Maintenance Services.

*Included in Peabody’s unaudited results for the 2023/24 financial year.