Asbestos Commercial Management Survey | Newmarket

Location: Newmarket, Suffolk
Survey Type: Asbestos Management Survey (Compliance with CAR 2012)
Survey Date: 10/09/2025

Project Overview:

We were appointed to conduct a full asbestos management survey across a block of high street commercial properties in Newmarket, Suffolk. The building consists of multiple tenanted retail units at ground level with residential or office accommodation on the first floor. The survey was a key component of the property management company’s health and safety due diligence, aiming to create a central asbestos register and ensure compliance with the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 for the entire building.

Survey Methodology:

Our surveyor coordinated with the tenants of each commercial unit to ensure the inspection was performed with minimal interference to their business operations. The survey was systematic, covering all accessible areas including:

• Retail floors
• Staff rooms
• Stockrooms
• Kitchens
• WCs
• Communal access areas for upper floors

Materials suspected of containing asbestos, consistent with the building’s mid-20th-century construction, were identified. Controlled samples were taken from these materials for definitive analysis at a UKAS-accredited laboratory.

Key Findings:

The results from the laboratory analysis identified several ACMs located throughout the different units. The significant findings were:

• AIB Ceiling Tiles: Ceiling tiles within the stockroom of one of the retail units were confirmed to be Asbestos Insulating Board (AIB). This is a high-risk material.
• Asbestos Cement Flue Pipe: An old, disused flue pipe running from a former boiler room at the rear of the property was constructed from asbestos cement.
• Vinyl Floor Tiles: The floor finish in a first-floor communal corridor was identified as vinyl tiles containing chrysotile asbestos.
• Textured Decorative Coating: The ceiling in the entrance lobby of another unit was finished with a textured coating (‘Artex’) which was found to contain asbestos.

The full Asbestos Register, which provides detailed information on the location, condition, and risk level of every identified material, is documented in the main survey report.

Conclusion & Recommendations:

Effective management of this multi-tenancy building is crucial. The following recommendations have been made to the property management company:

1. Centralised Asbestos Register: The created Asbestos Register must be held centrally and made available to all tenants. It is vital that tenants understand their responsibilities regarding the ACMs within their leased areas.
2. Manage AIB Ceiling Tiles:The AIB ceiling tiles are in good condition but must be managed carefully. Clear warning labels should be applied to the ceiling grid, and no work (e.g., running new cables) should be done in this area without consulting an asbestos specialist.
3. Ensure Contractor Vetting: The property management company must ensure that any contractor working on the fabric of the building has been made aware of the Asbestos Register before starting work.
4. Regular Condition Monitoring: A formal re-inspection of all identified ACMs should be scheduled annually to check for any signs of damage or deterioration.
5. Plan for Future Refurbishment: Tenants must be informed that if they plan any refurbishment of their units, a more intrusive Refurbishment and Demolition Survey will be legally required for their specific area before work can begin.

By diligently following these recommendations, the duty holder can effectively manage asbestos risks, ensure regulatory compliance, and provide a safe working environment.