Building work is set to begin on a £2 million investment to refurbish over 70 affordable homes to improve the quality of accommodation for residents in Brunswick.
Lockton Court is the first high rise building to receive a facelift as part of the £100m regeneration plans to transform the Brunswick neighbourhood.
S4B – the consortium set up to drive the development, including Mears, Galliford Try, Equitix and Contour Homes – unveiled plans to carry out internal and external refurbishments in Lockton Court.
The refurbishments include installing new kitchens and bathrooms and new lifts to improve access, as well as improved car parking.
New windows will be fitted to keep the homes warm and reduce energy bills and entry gates will be installed to make sure resident feel safe in their home.
Residents will also benefit from a new communal area and balcony redesign so that they can create their own winter garden.
Residents welcome the new improvements and will remain in the building while the works are carried out.
Mr Lenny Blake, 83 has lived at Lockton Court for 22 years said: I’m very happy with the improvements that will be made to my home. I get on well with the contractors carrying out the work and they keep me up to date with their progress.
“Lockton Court is a lovely building to live in – my neighbours are lovely and we all look out for each other. I have noticed a big transformation since I first moved in and I will feel a lot safer when the new doors and entry gate are installed.”
Councillor Mavis Smitheman of Ardwick Ward said: “The people of Brunswick have waited patiently for the refurbishment of their homes, and have worked with the Council on the redesign of the estate.
“Now that S4B have begun work, everyone is keen and enthusiastic to see the work completed and we can now see a bright future ahead for Brunswick.”
Steven Gale, Contract Manager at S4B, said: “We’ve worked closely with our residents to ensure these new energy-efficient homes help to improve their standard of living.
“They have welcomed the choice on offer as the kitchens and bathroom will have a bespoke design based on individual preferences.”
The improvements will make a huge difference to residents of Lockton Court and our contractors will continue to keep residents informed with when the works will be completed and ensure that the work carried out is to a high standard and meets their expectations.
The refurbishments to Lockton Court are part of wider plans from S4B to build more than 500 new family homes that consists of 200 council homes and more than 300 homes for sale in Brunswick.
The community will also welcome a new retail area with local shops and amenities and 60-bed sheltered accommodation and day-care centre.
Work on the internal works is already underway and improvements to the outside of the building are set to start next month and is due to be completed by Spring 2015.