31/08/2011 - Refurbishment to high rise blocks now complete

Thomas Vale has recently completed works on the Charlemont Farm Estate in West Bromwich as part of phase 1 of the Sandwell Decent Homes Partnership. The project saw regeneration work to the Beacon View and Wyndmill Crescent tower blocks in partnership with Sandwell Decent Homes.

The Sandwell Decent Homes Partnership (SDHP) is a construction framework tasked with ‘decent homes’ refurbishment of 30,000 homes in the Sandwell area. The partnership which includes Thomas Vale Construction began in 2006 and has invested in excess of £350 million into several towns in Sandwell.

Improvement works to the Beacon View and Wyndmill Crescent buildings include brickwork and concrete repairs with an external overcoat that features an insulated rendering system to improve both the aesthetics and insulation of the buildings. The £4.5 million project has also involved the construction of a new gull wing roof, new windows and balcony panels, canopies to the front entrance and communal area decoration. Landscaping works were also undertaken and new parking facilities were built as part of the refurbishment work, as well as new fire doors to the properties and kitchens and bathroom in certain homes.

The refurbishment as part of the ‘decent homes’ programme aims to prolong the life of the existing tower blocks as well as providing better accommodation and security for residents. It also contributes to the sustainable regeneration of the borough by encouraging inward investment and by creating a multitude of opportunities both in employment and training.

Whilst the basic refurbishment targets the estate aesthetics, the Decent Homes Partnership aims to deter social behaviour by encouraging tenants to take pride in their surroundings and community. In order to address this, the Partnership created a £15 million environmental budget to regenerate the community. So far some of the funds have gone towards sponsoring a local apprentice to go and attend the European Kickboxing Championships, launch a community day at Belper Industrial Park, landscape and develop Ryland View Care Homes’ communal gardens.

Richard Green, Divisional Director at Thomas Vale Construction commented:

“We are delighted to have had the opportunity to work in partnership with Sandwell Homes once again. Not only have we focussed on refurbishing these properties but we have helped rebuild the confidence of the area. This project is a further example of how we pride ourselves in contributing towards better accommodation for the community.”