Restoring property and confidence at Bournville Village Trust

Bournville Village Trust is one of the Midlands’ longest-serving independent charitable trusts, working to create and sustain communities. When its head office developed an extensive leak from the first-floor ladies’ toilet cascading down through the building over the course of a weekend, the damage to the property was immediate and disruptive. Water spread across multiple floors, threatening office spaces, archives about the history of Bournville, and the Trust’s ability to remain open to the public. For an organisation built on community confidence, the incident was more than a facilities issue, it was a test of responsibility to protect the community and maintain their confidence.

BELFOR UK was called in to provide an expert, end-to-end restoration that would not only resolve the immediate issue but also reinstate the property to its original condition with minimal disruption to occupants. From the outset, the team understood that success would depend not only on technical expertise but also on clear, reassuring communication. The leak had shaken confidence in the environment staff and visitors relied on, and the restoration process needed to rebuild it.

A coordinated response

Office furniture was carefully removed and relocated, with temporary office space created on the third floor. Unused items were stored in specialist humidity‑controlled containers, and a temporary reception area was established to keep staff and visitors safe while works continued, allowing the Trust to remain open throughout.

The discovery of asbestos in the flooring required a pause in works. It was safely removed under controlled conditions, with scheduling arranged around communal areas and fire exits to keep staff and visitors safe.

Once the building was dried and stripped out, trades including plumbers, electricians, decorators, and flooring specialists were coordinated to carry out the reinstatement. New kitchens were installed, doors rehung, toilet cubicles refitted, and flooring replaced. Throughout, work was undertaken out of hours and at weekends to minimise disruption, ensuring the Trust could continue serving tenants across the Midlands and deliver its community-support services.

One of the most sensitive challenges was the Trust’s archive documents, some dating back to the early 1900s. These were carefully removed to secure pods, then returned after restoration with the care and attention they required.

Our end‑to‑end approach meant that every stage, from containment and removal to reinstatement, was managed seamlessly.

Clear communication

What stood out most to the Trust was the way we kept them informed. Regular updates, transparent explanations, and collaborative planning ensured that the Trust felt supported and in control, even during a disruptive event. This clarity allowed staff to return to business‑as‑usual operations, floor by floor, even while restoration continued elsewhere.

“I had one point of contact I could go to with timeframes and what was happening next. That meant I could keep staff updated with what areas they could go into, what areas couldn’t, and when offices would be ready again. Communication was excellent throughout.” – Bournville Village Trust.

Outcomes

From start to finish, our team worked diligently to complete the project on time and to the highest standard. This case demonstrated that successful restoration is about more than technical skill. Clear communication proved just as vital as the physical work of drying, asbestos removal, and reinstatement. By providing a single point of contact, setting firm schedules, and keeping the Trust informed at every stage, uncertainty and stress were reduced while continuity of operations was maintained.

The seamless collaboration between teams shortened timescales and delivered the project ahead of schedule, while careful handling of sensitive archives and public access reinforced the Trust’s confidence.

We understand the stress and uncertainty that comes with property damage, which is why transparent communication and expert guidance are always at the heart of the process. For us, recovery isn’t only about restoring properties – it’s about restoring confidence.

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