First Choice Homes Oldham completes £2.6m tower blocks face-lift
Date published: 26 May 2021
The 'new-look' Montgomery House in Oldham
First Choice Homes Oldham (FCHO) customers living in Littlemoor House in Greenacres and Montgomery House in Hollinwood, are now benefitting from energy efficient homes with a fresh new look, thanks to a £2.6m refurbishment programme which is now complete.
The local housing association’s 1970s high rise tower blocks have undergone a transformation, delivered by FCHO’s contractor partner, Casey.
As part of the investment at both sites, new exterior wall insulation has been fitted along with a new roofing system and replacement double glazed windows, boosting the thermal efficiency of the buildings which will help customers to save on energy bills.
The exteriors of the buildings have also been revamped, now rendered in modern, eye-catching grey and blue which residents at the blocks helped to select, and balcony railings have been upgraded too.
Customer Christine Lowe has lived at Littlemoor House for 12 years and is among the residents who got involved in the project in its early stages.
She says the work has given the blocks a new lease of life.
“When you’re walking down the road and you look up, the building looks great – very pleasant and much cleaner," said Christine.
"They’ve done a really good job on it.
"I think it’s a million times better and the end result was worth it.”
Steve Mather, FCHO Director of Operations – Assets, said: “Continually improving our customers’ homes in order to provide high quality, energy efficient, safe places to live is our main priority - we know how important this is and the positive impact it can have on our customers’ wellbeing.
“Residents living in the blocks have been on a journey with us throughout this project and I would like to thank everyone who shared their views, helped shape the work and supported us while we renovated their homes. Our programme of work was unfortunately delayed by the coronavirus pandemic, and we appreciate our customers’ patience during this period.
“This significant investment will ensure that the tower blocks are well maintained, energy efficient and meet the needs of our customers now and into the future.”
Alan Taylor, Operations Director at Casey, said: “It has been fantastic to be part of the Littlemoor and Montgomery House project and we are delighted with the transformation which has taken place in giving the buildings a new lease of life.
"We have been so pleased to assist with improving the lives of those living in the Oldham community by undertaking these works.”
The work at Littlemoor House and Montgomery House is part of FCHO’s continued investment programme to maintain and improve customers’ homes and create sustainable neighbourhoods.
This year the social housing provider is investing £14.6m in three key areas.
These comprise fire safety measures in blocks of flats ahead of changes in government legislation; replacing roofs and windows to make sure that the structure of properties remain sound, and homes are safe and warm in the years ahead; and installing new kitchens, bathrooms and adaptations so that homes are fit for the future and meet customers’ needs.
Read more about FCHO’s investment programme at: www.fcho.co.uk
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