Newport homes to get £18m makeover
A programme of major home improvements is set
to transform the quality of life for thousands of housing
association residents across Newport City. Newport City Homes has
unveiled an £18m refurbishment package which will see Ian Williams
install new kitchens, bathrooms and electrical wiring in affordable
homes in the city.
The programme of home improvements forms a
major part of the promises made to residents when they voted to
transfer their homes from the council to the new, not-for-profit
housing association. In total, Newport City Homes has pledged
£233million to improve and repair its homes in the first five years
of its existence.
Ian Williams, which has a Cardiff base and has
worked in Wales for more than 60 years, is now tasked with helping
to ensure all 9,000 homes which transferred from Newport City
Council in March, meet the Welsh Quality Housing Standard.
The standard, set by the Assembly Government,
requires all social landlords to bring their properties up to
scratch by the end of 2012. The homes must be in a good state of
repair, have up-to-date kitchens and bathrooms and also be
adequately heated and well insulated.
The Ian Williams team commenced work this
month following appointment after consultation with both NCH and
its residents.
Ken Jones, who heads up the Welsh operation
for Ian Williams, said: “We are delighted to be involved in this
ambitious project, especially as we were selected to deliver the
work on the back of residents’ involvement. We have a long history
of working in Wales, and we are looking forward to getting to know
Newport City Homes and its residents over the next five years.
“A huge part of our work will be about
ensuring we deliver what residents want, so our liaison officers
will be out and about in the area soon to explain what we do, and
how we do it. They will also be meeting with residents to enable
them to choose the fixtures and fittings we will install at their
homes.”
The new contract will also see employment
opportunities created for local trades people and the recruitment
of local apprentices.
Mervyn Green, Head of Property Investment at
Newport City Homes, said; "We are very pleased to be working with
Ian Williams in delivering internal improvements to our homes over
the next four years. They were selected through a comprehensive
process and offered us a high quality service. We look forward to
developing a strong relationship with them over the coming
years."
Ian Williams’ Cardiff base employs 110 people
and its clients include Powys County Council, Cardiff County
Council, Linc Cymru, Hafod Housing Association and Monmouthshire
Homes. The company has worked in Wales for more than 60 years.