Sheffield Homes Launches Estate Transformation
Hundreds of tenants on a 1930s Sheffield estate are to have their homes transformed as part of the biggest investment in housing the city has ever seen.
Sheffield Homes is spearheading the near £700 million Decent Homes programme which will see around 40,000 council homes improved including work such as fitting new kitchens, bathrooms, central heating systems and double glazing.
A small army of workers will be moving on to the Foxhill estate in the summer to revamp over 200 properties to make sure they meet the Government's Decent Homes standard.
Although the start of the work is some months away, Sheffield Homes' commitment to involving tenants means that consultation on the improvements has already begun.
"We've had a fantastic response from tenants at special roadshows," said Jon Lovibond, Director of Investment for Sheffield Homes.
"People really appreciate being able to choose their own kitchens and bathrooms and we can also talk through ways we can help minimise the disruption whilst such major improvements are being carried out for them.
"Sheffield Homes works to ensure that tenants end up with a home that they can be proud of so it's vital that we start working with tenants well before the work gets underway."
Foxhill tenants turned out in force to catch a sneak preview of their new-look council houses at a recent Sheffield Homes roadshow where they could try out the new state-of-the-art kitchens and bathrooms on offer.
Further events will take place in Foxhill to make sure all tenants have an opportunity to be involved.
Tenants voted for Sheffield's council housing to be transferred to a new Arms Length Mangement Organsiation - Sheffield Homes - in 2004, and for the huge Decent Homes investment programme, which is now beginning to transform homes and estates in the city.
The Decent Homes programme will be completed across the whole of the city by 2010.
What Foxhill tenants said:
"I think what is on offer is great. It's ideal as it would cost a fortune to buy and fit all this yourself," said Mrs Allen of Cowper Crescent.
"Plenty of choice," said Mrs Price of Cowper Crescent.
"Beautiful choice, and it's nice to have a say in the options you are given, "
said Mr and Mrs Waldron of Carroll Road.
ENDS
Notes to Editors - About Sheffield Homes
- Sheffield Homes was set up by Sheffield City Council in 2004 to manage the day-to day running of around 45,000 council homes and deliver a major programme of Government investment.
- We were the first organisation in the country to achieve the top 'three star' rating from the Audit Commission twice, placing our services amongst the best in the sector.
- We are working in partnership with Connaught Property Services Ltd; Keepmoat plc; Kier Sheffield LLP; Lovell Partnerships Ltd; and Mears Group plc, to bring all homes up to the Government's 'Decent Homes' standard by 2010, under a programme worth approx. £669 million - the largest of its type in the country.
- We aim to work in partnership with Sheffield City Council and customers to provide excellent homes and services, in order to create clean, attractive neighbourhoods for communities in Sheffield.
- We are an 'Arms Length Management Organisation', a limited, not for profit company and wholly owned by Sheffield City Council.
Issued on behalf of Sheffield Homes by Anderson Waugh. For more information contact Ian Waugh on: (0114) 225 7080 (office) or 07855 723305 (mobile). For out of hours media enquiries ring 07711 153995.