Lewisham Park Towers: Major Investment Programme
improving 204 occupied flats to create healthier, more efficient homes for 240 residents. This flagship project demonstrates how large-scale retrofit works can achieve significant energy efficiency improvements while maintaining exceptional resident satisfaction. The project forms part of L&Qs broader £3 billion, 15-year Major Works Investment Programme and is part-funded by the Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund, reflecting its focus on sustainability and the pathway to Net Zero 2050.
What we did
Axis delivered a comprehensive £20 million Major Investment Programme across three 17- storey tower blocks for L&Q Housing Association
Project Objectives
The goal was to boost energy efficiency and thermal performance of the buildings, reducing energy consumption, lowering carbon emissions, reducing energy bills for residents, and helping tackle fuel poverty.
Additionally, the works improved safety, comfort, and overall living conditions through essential fire safety works, structural repairs, and providing warmer homes.
Technical Specifications
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12,000m² of External Wall Insulation (EWI)
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Acrylic brick slips specially manufactured to match original brickwork and comply with conservation requirements
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Roof replacements using innovative Eco FF insulation (80% biomass-based - first installation in London)
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900 new powder-coated aluminium energy-efficient windows replacing existing UPVC units
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Structural repairs to façade and concrete panels
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Fire-proofing works to flats and vertical services ducts
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Main sprinkler and fire alarm system installation
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Kitchen and bathroom refurbishments
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Extended boiler flues replacement
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New continuously running extraction fans with extended ducting
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External soil vent pipes for improved maintenance access
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CCU units and boiler replacements where necessary
Solutions Delivered
The programme combined technical solutions with resident engagement. Technical solutions include external wall insulation chosen for excellent thermal performance, durability, and A1 fire safety rating. All 900 windows were replaced within 10 weeks. Building services upgrades include structural repairs, extractor fan upgrades, boiler flue extensions, and new external Soil Vent Pipes.
Community solutions were equally comprehensive. The Residents Hub provided respite from works, offering quiet office spaces with free Wi-Fi and hosting community activities in partnership with local charities. A multi-channel communication strategy included a bespoke project website and app, newsletters, bi-monthly meetings, and real-time updates, with translation services supporting the diverse community. Site-based Resident Liaison Officers ensured resident needs were considered throughout delivery.
Energy Performance & Environmental Impact
The project delivered substantial energy efficiency improvements. Energy bill reductions of more than 50% for residents, with many already reporting reduced heating needs and improved comfort. The EWI system provides substantial carbon savings and improves thermal efficiency to a U-Value of 0.26. The innovative roof insulation, manufactured from 80% biomass-based materials, demonstrates commitment to sustainable construction practices.
Energy bill reductions of more than 50% for residents
Wall thermal performance improved to U-Value of 0.26
Substantial carbon emissions reduction contributing to Net Zero targets
First London installation of sustainable Eco FF insulation
Enhanced thermal comfort and reduced heating requirements
Significant fuel poverty reduction across affected households
Project Delivery Excellence
Works were programmed simultaneously across three blocks with capped live flats to ensure quality and resident care. The coordinated approach included scaffold erection, window renewals, M&E works, structural repairs, roof replacements, EWI application, scaffold strike, and ground works completion.
Delivery Performance
100% on-time delivery
100% within budget
High installation standards confirmed by external inspections
Three tower roofs completed
All 900 windows replaced within 10 weeks
Project timeline
Outcomes & Impact
The project delivered significant outcomes in building performance, resident satisfaction, and project management.
Comprehensive renovations improved safety and living conditions. Beyond physical improvements, the project fostered community spirit through The Residents Hub and activities. Environmental sustainability is demonstrated through innovative materials and energy efficiency improvements.
92% resident satisfaction score
EPC rating improved from D66 to B85 (19 SAP point improvement)
74.19% reduction in space heating demand
49.37% reduction in estimated fuel use
30.62% reduction in fuel costs (£199 annual saving per household)
52.38% reduction in carbon emissions (1.1 tonnes CO2 per flat annually)
Enhanced fire safety and building structural integrity
Strengthened community spirit and resident trust
100% on-time and in-budget project delivery
External validation of high installation standards
Resident Satisfaction & Community Engagement
The project achieved a 92% resident satisfaction score, with the engagement strategy praised by Tpas, the UK’s leading tenant engagement experts. Three full-time, site-based Resident Liaison Officers provided personalised support, while The Residents Hub served as both quiet workspace and community activity venue. Digital innovation through a bespoke website and app with live updates streamlined communication.
Community Investment
Restored Lewisham War Memorial Garden railings at no cost
Transformed bedbound resident's overgrown garden
Hosted Community Recycle Day collecting 1,640kg of waste
Funded L&Q resident's medical studies abroad
Plans to renovate tower buildings' old community room
Project Legacy
Plans include renovating the towers' old community room and involving residents and an architect in designing new outside spaces, ensuring lasting positive community engagement beyond construction completion.
The project provides a replicable model for majorn investment programmes across the social housing sector, demonstrating that large-scale retrofit can be delivered with exceptional technical performance, resident satisfaction, and community benefit.
Have any questions?
For more information about Axis’ Major Investment Programme capabilities, contact Marie Partner
