Meadowside and Dell Field Major Renovation Works
Client: London Borough of Barnet
Duration: November 2022 – August 2024
Sector: Public Sector / Healthcare
Type: Residential Care Homes
Overview
WG Wigginton Ltd successfully delivered a full multi-disciplinary refurbishment and fire safety upgrade across two fully operational care homes for the London Borough of Barnet. The project covered 68 rooms at Meadowside and 40 rooms at Dell Field Court, including resident bedrooms, communal lounges, kitchens, staff spaces, plantrooms and main building entrances. Works included complete internal refurbishment, full mechanical and electrical upgrades, new sprinkler installation, enhanced fire safety systems and the replacement of all internal and external fire doors. All installations were delivered in line with BS 7671 and the latest fire safety regulations for residential care environments.
Both care homes remained occupied throughout delivery, requiring a detailed phased programme, temporary plant solutions and continuous communication with residents and care teams. The project was led by Senior Contracts Manager Mike Parker, supported by site supervisors and resident liaison officers to ensure safe access and minimal disruption.
What We Delivered
Electrical Upgrades
Relocated incoming electrical supply, including liaison and programme management with UKPN
Service penetrations through switch room floor slab
Internal LV system connection to new UKPN equipment, including earth arrangement
Removal of existing electrical services
New cabling and containment throughout both buildings
New low voltage distribution, switchgear, earthing and bonding
Lightning protection testing
Communal, emergency and external lighting
Small power services and power supplies for fixed equipment
Fire detection and alarm systems, including lift shaft aspirating system
Surge protection devices
Door entry systems and secure access fobs
Infrared ceiling-mounted bed sensors
Bedroom and building-wide door monitoring
Staff access cards with response-time logging
Centralised monitoring and reporting dashboard
Roaming resident tracking for safe garden access
Complete data system with new RJ45 outlets, testing and warranty validation
Mechanical Works
Gas pipework modifications within the boiler house
Temporary boiler plant to maintain heating and hot water during works
Removal and replacement of boiler house plant and controls
Replacement of heating and domestic water services
New plantroom plant and controls for the LTHW system
New distribution pipework, valves and associated ancillaries
Apartment heating modifications and resident radiator replacements
Inspection and works to plantroom combustion air fans
Automatic controls and wiring, including BMS software
Heating, ventilation and domestic water system testing and commissioning
Water treatment and chlorination
New mains cold water supply and associated valves
Fire stopping associated with public health services
Above-ground drainage system modifications
New cold water and hot water pipework, valves and water heaters
Fire Safety & Refurbishment Works
Building-wide fire safety sprinkler system
Replacement of all fire doors and external doors across both buildings
Suspended ceilings
Resident bathroom and kitchen replacements
Dementia-Friendly Design & Interior Enhancements
To support orientation, reduce confusion and create calmer shared spaces, a full interior design scheme was developed for both care homes. Each corridor and communal area was given a distinct visual theme, with coordinated artwork, fabrics and decoration to help residents recognise where they are within the building. Themes included nature, local community imagery, music, travel and abstract designs all selected to trigger familiar visual cues and encourage conversation. This approach supports wayfinding and memory recall for residents living with dementia, helping them identify different floors and navigate independently. Artwork and decorative pieces were installed thoughtfully to limit visual clutter and provide clear, meaningful markers, while flooring and curtain choices were kept consistent to reduce visual distractions and trip risk.
Results and Impact
The programme delivered modern, safe and fully compliant care home environments with significant improvements to resident comfort and building safety. The new mechanical and electrical systems provide long-term reliability, energy efficiency and reduced maintenance requirements across both properties. The installation of full sprinkler coverage and replacement fire doors provides robust life protection measures, meeting current regulatory requirements for residential care buildings. Colour-coded areas and signposted corridors helped reduce confusion and supported independent wayfinding for residents living with dementia. The integrated nurse call and resident monitoring system has significantly improved night-time safety and staff response. Infrared bed sensors and door monitoring alert staff immediately if a resident gets out of bed, falls, or moves during higher-risk hours. Staff response times are automatically logged via access cards and reviewed centrally by management, supporting safer care delivery, improved accountability and ongoing service improvement. The roaming function allows residents to safely access garden areas while maintaining oversight, supporting independence without compromising safeguarding.
Resident & Staff Satisfaction
Works at both care homes were carried out while the buildings remained fully occupied, with residents, families and staff on site throughout the refurbishment period. Careful phasing, temporary arrangements and daily coordination allowed services to continue without disruption to care delivery. Staff were directly supported with improvements to their working environment, including practical room upgrades, repairs, decorating and small internal works that made everyday organisation, storage and movement easier. Feedback from the Registered Manager at Meadowside confirmed that the refurbishment has improved daily life for residents and enhanced the home’s care provision. Staff noted that involving residents and families in design decisions created a sense of ownership and pride in the transformation, with several relatives commenting positively on the quality of the environment and the meaningful impact it has had.
Social Value
WG Wigginton delivered an extensive programme of resident-focused social value activities throughout the refurbishment period, designed to create positive daily experiences, encourage interaction and support dementia-friendly living. All social value activities were delivered directly by WG Wigginton team members working on site. Residents benefited from seeing familiar, friendly faces. This consistent presence supported trust, reduced disruption anxiety and created genuine positive contact during what could have been a challenging period of building works.
Dementia & Sensory Enrichment
We provided a large selection of sensory items, memory aids and activity equipment to support residents with cognitive stimulation and calm engagement. These resources helped encourage safe movement, shared conversations and gentle mental stimulation that supports wellbeing in dementia care environments.
Seasonal Events & Celebration Support
Throughout the project, we ensured residents continued to enjoy familiar celebrations and community moments. We supplied decorations, food vouchers, gifts and activity materials for on-site Christmas parties and cultural occasions such as Black History Month. During quieter periods, we organised wellbeing and reminiscence activities, providing ready-to-use packs so staff could easily host comforting, small-group sessions with residents.
Practical Improvements to Resident Spaces
Our operatives carried out practical, everyday enhancements within the homes, making shared spaces easier and more enjoyable to use. This included internal painting and decorating. We upgraded the on-site hair salon at Meadowside, providing a full refresh of the room a dedicated nail bar was added, complete with accessories for resident grooming and wellbeing sessions. Throughout the home, new artwork was installed to brighten corridors and lounges, creating warm, familiar environments that support reminiscence and reduce anxiety for residents living with dementia.
Outdoor Wellbeing & Green Spaces
To encourage outdoor interaction and provide sensory garden experiences, we delivered multiple environmental improvements. Fruit trees were planted with care packs and ongoing visits, allowing residents to take part in nurturing and observing growth. Gardens were re-turfed, bedding plants were added and biodiversity planting introduced across outdoor areas to provide colour, texture and scent. In addition, a new elevated walkway was installed to improve access to garden spaces, enabling residents, family members and entertainers to safely reach outdoor areas for fresh air, time outside and gentle movement.
Client Testimonial
"WG Wigginton's have delivered excellent work for the Fire Safety team this year and undertaking the 2 vital care home projects which will make a huge difference to the residents."
Gavin Bass, Interim Director of Property Services