Work has started on a £10 million regeneration programme to breathe new life into a Coventry estate, continuing the transformation of the Spirit Quarters area.
Leading Midlands housing provider Whitefriars Housing has appointed housing regeneration specialist Lovell to carry out the refurbishment of Manor Farm.
The scheme will involve a raft of improvements to the 300 Whitefriars homes and the surrounding neighbourhood on the 1960s-built estate.
Local residents have worked closely with Whitefriars on details of the regeneration plans and the choice of contractor. Representatives from Manor Farm Residents’ Association helped interview shortlisted contractors, asking how they would work with the community and what ‘added value’ they could bring to the scheme.
Regeneration work will involve fitting external wall insulation and new windows, doors, flat roofs and boundary fencing, plus environmental works to enhance the surrounding area. The refurbished houses will be more energy efficient, resulting in warmer, more comfortable homes and lower fuel bills for residents.
Richard Osborne, director of property services at Whitefriars, says: “This major regeneration scheme will transform homes and the area to deliver a fresh new contemporary look.
“Through excellent partnership working with the local community we have arrived at a scheme that will give more attractive, warmer and more energy efficient homes.
“Our appointment of Lovell marks an important first step in getting work under way on this large-scale project.
“Lovell has a great track record of delivering this type of work for Whitefriars in Coventry and we look forward to once again working with them, local residents and the city council to deliver a high quality scheme that will rejuvenate this estate.”
Lovell director of business development Peter Quinn says: “We’re excited to be working again with Whitefriars Housing and bringing our specialist knowledge and expertise in large-scale housing refurbishments to this important scheme.
“This is a significant programme of improvements that will provide major benefits to residents living in the Manor Farm community.”
Intensive resident consultation and planning is now taking place, with the 12-month programme of work set to start in January 2017.
Louise Francis, Chair of Manor Farm Residents’ Association, said: “Residents living on the Manor Farm estate are pleased and excited that the regeneration work is about to begin. We are looking forward to warmer, more energy efficient homes and more attractive surroundings – and we are committed to working together with Whitefriars and Lovell on future projects to enhance the local community.”
The scheme is part of the ongoing redevelopment of the Spirit Quarters area, which has already seen over 500 new homes built and 1,000 existing homes improved.
