Plymouth Community Homes (PCH) residents living in blocks of flats in Devonport could save money on their energy bills this winter after a £1.5m refurbishment project was carried out to help improve the building’s energy efficiency. The refurbishment project of 44 homes in Keyham Road and St Leo Place took 11 months to complete, and the work was undertaken while residents remained in their homes.
The project included replacing windows, external doors and roof coverings. As well as this, external access was improved, the internal common areas were modernised and new, energy-efficient insulation was installed to the external walls. The works also included the installation of a colourful render which has enhanced the local area.
People living in the Devonport flats, including resident David Templeman, are delighted with the results of the refurbishment in relation to energy efficiency, which has been especially noticeable as the weather gets colder.
PCH resident David Templeman said:
“The works that were carried out are a great improvement to Keyham Road and St Leo place. I have not yet had to put the heating on in my home.”
PCH is Plymouth’s largest social housing landlord, and provides homes for more than 35,000 people across the city. Through its Environmental Strategy, PCH is committed to reducing its carbon footprint, and is investing in its homes with objectives to achieve net-carbon zero across the business by 2050.
The PCH Asset Management Team planned, designed and delivered the project for Devonport, and appointed Kendall Kingscott as principal designer and contract administrator with Classic Builders (SW) Ltd delivering the work for PCH.
Stephen Morgan, programme delivery manager at PCH, said:
“We are proud to have completed this vital refurbishment project of 44 homes in Keyham Road and St Leo Place. Although the project took a little longer to design than anticipated, the additional time in planning has certainly benefitted the scheme overall. The building looks fantastic now, and we feel it has transformed the Keyham area for those living locally.
“The project team worked extremely hard to complete the project. Classic Builders (SW) Ltd carried out the works, and Tracy Harrison, Classic Builders Resident Liaison Officer, provided amazing support, ensuring residents were included on the journey to completion, while Kendall Kingscott was also extremely supportive and created a great product.
“Plymouth Community Homes’ very own design and delivery team also worked with the leasehold team, neighbourhoods’ team and safety and environmental services, providing specialist help and advice throughout the project.
“Classic Builders has been nominated for an award within the industry for the project by Mapei, the manufacturer of the EWI (external wall insulation) materials.”
Adam Brimacombe, director at Classic Builders, said:
“We were delighted to be appointed by PCH to successfully deliver the building improvement works at Keyham Road and St Leo Place.
“This project provides a huge benefit to the residents of the properties and the building’s energy performance and efficiency has significantly improved. Aesthetically the building has improved the local surroundings, which the residents are now proud to call their home.
“Plymouth is a special place for us, it’s our home city and we employ a lot of local people, being able to play our part in improving the quality of housing in the city is a privilege.”