Over 200 social homes in Manchester have received refurbishments from one of the largest privately-owned construction companies in the UK, Wates. A total of 62 previously vacant properties were fully refurbished with a further 151 properties receiving facelift works.
The revamped homes in Ben Street in Clayton have been delivered by Wates Living Space four weeks ahead of schedule. The refurbishments include re-roofing, energy efficiency upgrades, fully-fitted kitchens and bathrooms, flooring and carpeting as well as the installation of new heating systems.
The facade works involved replacing all existing windows and doors with modern UPVC, improving guttering and cleaning brickwork plus the refurbishment of communal alley space and external walling.
“The work delivered by the Wates Living Space team at Ben Street is truly transformative. To take homes that have laid empty for 20 years and bring them up to this standard of quality is a task of great care and expertise and it is truly heartening to see the difference that this has made to residents,” said David Morgan, Managing Director of Wates Living Space.
“Our work at Ben Street was above all things about the community. The project team should rightly be very proud of the ways in which they have engaged with local residents, community groups and neighbouring schools to ensure the positive legacy of this important work becomes a catalyst for lasting community spirit for generations to come,” he added.
Delivered on behalf of Manchester City Council, the refurbishments brought to life the 200 properties that are now up to decent home standards.
“First and foremost, I would like to welcome the new east Manchester tenants in to their new homes. These are some of the luckiest residents in the city as the first to access the refurbished housing at the Ben Street regeneration area. Wates has done a remarkable job turning these properties into high-quality family homes,” commented Cllr Suzanne Richards, Manchester City Council’s executive member for housing and regeneration.
