A 1960s Wellingborough block of flats has been given a new life and 70 modern apartments, thanks to a local housing association.
Sylvanus House, on the Queensway Estate, West Wellingborough, has been the focus of a £5.2m Greatwell Homes regeneration project. The investment, delivered ahead of schedule and to budget, has provided not only 62 one-bedroom and eight two-bedroom energy efficient apartments but also a generally much improved environment, featuring new landscaping, greenery, footpaths and car parking.
Working with local architects, engineers, surveyors and contractors, Greatwell Homes has designed, developed and managed the regeneration project, which will also see the completion of a major refurbishment at nearby Diana House, in April.
Construction work on Sylvanus House was completed this month and included the removal of balconies, fitting of modern kitchens and bathrooms, provision of utilities and the introduction of energy saving features such as high specification double glazing and new condensing boilers.
Sylvanus and Diana House residents who have been temporarily re-housed in nearby Greatwell Homes properties for the past 12 months are starting to move into their new apartments.
Trevor Genus (48), an unemployed fabricator/welder, was one of the first residents to move into the new-style Sylvanus House, early this month. He is delighted with his new one-bedroomed, second floor flat: “Yes, my new place at Sylvanus ticks all the boxes for me,” said Trevor.
“I’m very happy. It’s clean and contemporary, well decorated and all the facilities are top quality. I like the outside design as well and I’m getting to know my neighbours, who all seem very friendly.”
Jo Savage, Chief Executive of Greatwell Homes, said: “Sylvanus and Diana House residents will soon be enjoying refurbished apartments that really are as good as new under this exciting regeneration initiative.
“These significantly improved homes will not only be warmer but also much cheaper to heat. I’m sure this will appeal to all the residents and I know already that the response to the generally better quality, more relaxed environment has been extremely positive.”