Million-pound makeover for Portsmouth housing scheme

Portsmouth Town Court is getting a million-pound makeover.

A total of 49 residential units within its two residential blocks (one specifically designed for elderly residents) being renovated.

A snapshot of the brand-new fixtures and fittings being installed into Portsmouth Town Court include:

• 42 brand-new Howden's modular kitchens
• 49 new bathrooms incorporating hand basins, toilets and bath or shower replacements
• All units are having home improvements including electrical wiring, replacement radiators and new windows.

Caroline Tiller, Executive Director of James Butcher Housing Association, says the refurbishment will improve the quality of residents' lives.

She explained: "It is our priority that our residents live in comfortable and modern homes both during the refurbishment and after the completion of the renovation works.  

"We have been working closely with the residents for nearly a year to bring this project to fruition.

"Discussions were held with each resident and an assessment was made on each of their properties to ascertain what their priorities are and benchmark the renovations against industry-quality standards.

"We appointed a specialist occupational therapist to investigate and ensure that our residents needs are met. The refurbishment will definitely reduce the costs of running their homes and the proposed new lifts will make their lives easier."

The refurbishment also extends to improving the energy efficiency and the functionality of Portsmouth Town Court.

The building will be better insulated and the existing windows are being replaced by new aluminium double-glazed versions.  In the main building three highly-efficient gas condensing boilers will be installed to serve all the flats and communal areas.

These improvements will help residents to minimise their heating costs and help to alleviate the pressures of fuel poverty. 

Later in the year a significant additional investment will be made into the construction of two brand-new lift shafts and the installation of two lifts.

In preparation for next year's digital TV switchover new digital-capacity aerials will be installed to enable residents to access digital TV channels and programmes in other languages. Fire alarms and fire prevention facilities are also being upgraded.

The estimated cost of the refurbishment works will exceed £1.1 million and earlier this year Southern Housing Group appointed Osborne as its contractor.

Portsmouth City Council has also agreed to provide some extra funding to meet the additional costs generated as a result of the specialist bathroom modifications.

Mrs Cooper who has lived in Portsmouth Town Court for more than five years said the refurbishment of her home began last month and it is progressing well.

"My flat has had a new kitchen which is really good with plenty of cupboards making life a lot easier.  We are about to have new radiators and windows installed and our bathroom updated," she said.