THREE blocks of flats in Spon End will be demolished and replaced with new homes as part of a major regeneration project.
Kerry House, Milestone House and Trafalgar House, which comprise 158 flats, will be replaced by a mix of new homes as part of plans by housing association Citizen.
The regeneration project was first announced in September 2019 following a survey of residents which showed many wanted investment in the area to tackle issues like anti-social behavior and fly-tipping, as well as improvements to homes.
The original plan would have seen the blocks updated with new roofs, doors, windows, energy efficiency measures and improvements to security.
But building surveys showed another £4million would need to be spent to complete structural works, to allow the buildings to withstand the improvements.
Citizen says this would still not guarantee the long-term life of the buildings or improve the thermal efficiency of the homes – which the survey said was a priority for residents.
Citizen has informed all residents in the blocks and will support them through a rehousing process over the next two years.
Kevin Rodgers, Chief Executive of Citizen, said: “We are pleased to be able to move forward with our plans to transform Spon End.
“As a not-for-profit social housing provider, it is our duty to make investment decisions which benefit people in our communities in a responsible and sustainable way.
“This decision was not taken lightly but it became clear once we had completed the in-depth surveys of the buildings that this is the right way to move forward.
“We will start the rehousing process in September and will consult the community ahead of developing plans for the new homes in Spon End.
“We will work with our residents to minimise disruption to their lives and we will support them all the way through the rehousing process.”
Residents in Kerry House, Milestone House and Trafalgar House will be rehoused over the next two years. The community will be consulted to help develop the plans for the new homes in Spon End. Citizen hopes to start development in 2023 with completion in 2025.
The £21million regeneration of nearby Wyken, including the demolition of a tower block, the refurbishment of another and plans to build new houses in the area, is progressing as planned.
