Jones House makeover designed to save energy and money (10/06/10)

A block of flats in Walsall is undergoing an extensive facelift to improve residents’ quality of life and drive down their fuel bills.

Scaffolding is currently being put up around Jones House, in Birchills, which is owned and managed by social landlord Walsall Housing Group (whg).

Work is being carried out by whg contractor Frank Haslam Milan (FHM) and British Gas.

FHM is due to begin a 10 week external improvement programme worth £366,000 at the start of July. Windows and balcony doors will be replaced with modern, double glazed alternatives designed to cut down on heat loss and reduce customers’ energy bills. The building’s flat roof is also being replaced to stop water leaks and improve insulation.

FHM’s site manager Paul Norbury said: “Residents of Jones House are over the moon that we’ve started work. They’re happy to see us on site and work beginning.”

Before the project began customers were invited to an open day to view samples doors and window frames and choose their preferred option.

FHM has had to temporarily close a footpath and create a diversion for pedestrians to accommodate their site cabin and lift shaft, which runs up the outside of the building. This enables site colleagues to access the roof without entering the block and monopolising the internal lifts.

Paul added: “We understand there’s going to be short term inconvenience but the long term benefits for residents will make that worthwhile.”

British Gas will start its element of the work – a 26 week Community Energy Saving Project (CESP) - in August/September. The energy supplier will invest around £1.2million to insulate the external walls of Jones House and install a communal central heating system to replace the existing storage heating.

The new heating system will mean residents can set and control the temperature in each room of their flat.

Gearoid Lane, Managing Director of British Gas New Energy, said: “This is the second major project that British Gas has carried out in Walsall to help improve energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions. The £1.2m that we are investing should help the residents of Jones House cut the cost of keeping their homes warm next winter.”

Cliff Horrocks, whg Director of Asset Management, said: “We are delighted to bring our work with two partners together into one project to give great value for money, improved quality of life for customers and reduce our carbon footprint.”