Working through the phases...
As we continue to work through the phases of a return to work and with schools reopening together with the prospect of more easing there is perhaps a feeling that we are beginning to get back to some form of “routine” and “normality”. What is clear from all of the detail that is coming from both UK and Scottish Governments is that the virus has not gone away and that we have to continue to wash hands and be careful/mindful of our actions and situations to ensure as much as we can that we do not catch or transmit the virus. As we have seen local measures have been required and maybe by dealing with rising cases in one particular area that this will mean no return to a national shutdown. During the month of August we have undertaken and completed a COVID 19 Risk Assessment and resulting from that is the attached document that is version 1 and initial signage that has been placed around the common areas of the offices. We are aware that individual companies will have undertaken their own measures and assessments to ensure the safe working practices for all returning to work.
There a few issues to highlight:
The Risk Assessment is Version1 and is a working document, which will be updated at the end of September 2020 with any additions/changes noted at that time.
As landlords we are taking and reviewing actions as advice changes and will discharge duties as effectively and quickly as we can.
We have not completed assessments of individual business/occupiers needs as our remit does not extend to cover this.
There is placed upon us all a legal responsibility on businesses which make or receive deliveries to ensure drivers have easy access to toilets and handwashing facilities. The legal responsibility to provide access to these facilities lies with whoever controls the premises drivers are visiting. As such where communal facilities are accessed for such purposes it is essential that you maintain a record of anyone that has used the facilities to include name and number. https://www.hse.gov.uk/coronavirus/drivers-transport-delivery.htm
As landlords, we are aware that the trace and track could become important in an event of a COVID 19 case being reported either on site or within a property. As such we request that you maintain your own records of persons attending the property and in the event of a case arising we will then have a mechanism for contacting those who may be affected. As landlords, we are maintaining our own records of those attending the site(s) on our behalf.
More information on these matters can be found on Government websites and on the HSE website. https://www.hse.gov.uk/coronavirus/working-safely/covid-secure.htm
As landlords we hope that these actions provide appropriate actions and update in how we are managing the sites. If from there, something does not look right or there is an issue that requires attended to then please do not hesitate to contact us.
Risk Assessment report is here.
Planning/Building updates...
We are pleased to report that we have received both Building and Planning consents for the conversion of the 2nd floor office space at Kirkhill House. Work here is well advanced and a suite of 340 sqft (approx.) is available for occupation from the end of September. The additional application for the conversion of the garage at Kirkhill has commenced 31st August and is programmed for about 3-4 weeks to completion.
We have also reviewed current market requirements and a “Meeting Room” addition is being considered, subject to application and consent.
Maintenance works...
We did at the start of 2020 have a programme of works that had been identified for consideration and costing. Some of those we are still intending to move on with, however and as you will appreciate there requires to be a check and balance in terms of budgeting and charging. As such some of the items planned for will be carried forward into 2021.
Signage at Kirkhill/Midholm...
Both sets of signs would benefit from a make over and update in terms of style and information contained within the directory boards. This is a matter that we are intending to move on and complete by year end following a design and procurement process. This we consider will make access to sites easier and more customer friendly.
