WORK has begun to fit external wall insulation on three city centre tower blocks to help residents save money on their fuel bills.
Chester & District Housing Trust (CDHT) has already completed improvements at its three Blacon high-rise blocks.
The work included a new white and grey thermal render, improved balconies, new entrances with canopies and revamped communal areas.
City centre housing trust tenants living in the three tower blocks off St Anne Street, Newtown, will soon benefit from phase two following an extensive consultation with residents.
The work at the 180 homes, which is due to be completed early next year, includes re-roofing, external wall insulation, concrete repairs, refurbishment of balconies and electric heating renewal.
As a result of the project by contractors Keepmoat, with the support of the Trust’s Pathways Team, which delivers employment and training opportunities, a number of local residents have been offered jobs.
It is hoped to improve the thermal efficiency of the other three Newtown tower blocks as part of phase three.
The project, which also aims to improve the appearance of the buildings, is thanks to £4 million worth of investment from CDHT plus another £3.6 million of EU funding in partnership with Cheshire West and Chester Council and British Gas.
Shaun Carr, director of assets for Sanctuary Group, which has taken over CDHT, said: “Sanctuary is pleased to support investment in sustainable initiatives such as this which have created employment opportunities for local residents.
“The programme of works is the second phase of high rise improvement to increase the thermal performance of Chester & District Housing Trust’s high rise stock and to help residents to reduce their heating costs through improved insulation.”
