A major £5 million improvement scheme for the nine-storey high Kingsway House in Latchford, Warrington, has been given the go-ahead by town planners.
With the project now approved by Warrington Borough Council’s (WBC) planning department, North West housing and regeneration group Torus visited the site, speaking to existing residents to seek their views on the proposed works, providing information, sharing plans and answering questions.
As part of the ambitious investment programme, the ageing 1960s block, which contains 51 one-and two-bedroom apartments, will be fitted with new windows, kitchens, bathrooms, front doors, lifts and balconies, as well as converting current storage areas into two additional residential apartments, asbestos removal, improved insulation, landscaping and improvements to the entrance area.
The plans also include increasing the number of parking spaces from 10 to 44, by removing the unused garages.
Torus Group Stock Condition and Planning Manager, Debbie Stewart, said: “Residents at Kingsway House have been in limbo for several years with a question mark over the future of their homes, so we are delighted to announce that our major improvement and modernisation scheme is now finally about to start.
“This is an exciting development for Torus and our residents, and we are confident that this long-awaited refurbishment programme will not only benefit the residents who live here, but it will also contribute to the aims of WBC’s Central 6 masterplan, contributing to achieving a cleaner, greener, healthier Warrington.
“It was great to be able to discuss the plans with the residents and get their views and we look forward to working with them, as they will be an important part of the project team.”
The external of the building will benefit from a new external wall insulation system, with external walls finished with non-combustible render, incorporating stone wool insulation which will improve the energy efficiency of the building and reducing carbon emissions.
Torus Assets Project Manager, Ste Simm, added; “The £5 million investment in Kingsway House demonstrates our commitment to investing in our existing homes and providing social and affordable homes.
“The refurbishment will create a modern block that will not only look great, but will also help to reduce carbon emissions, whilst benefiting tenants by improving energy efficiency, lowering fuel bills and making their homes warmer.”
Though already fully compliant, the refurbishment of Kingsway House will also include enhanced safety features, featuring a full sprinkler system, apartment front doors replaced with fire doors, upgrading the fire alarm with upgraded and increased number of detectors and though not required by law, Torus are also installing a Fire and Rescue Service evacuation alert system.
Kingsway House resident of 10 years, Maureen, commented on the plans; “The plans look brilliant. I am looking forward to my new apartment, especially the balcony, it will nice to have some outside space.”
Torus is working alongside experienced construction firm, HMS, who have been appointed to remodel the building. The refurbishment works are set to start in September 2021 and is likely to take 18 months to complete. Residents are being kept fully informed as the scheme progresses.
