Hillfields celebration lights up lives

Residents in Hillfields enjoyed a vibrant celebration this week to mark the completion of an £5m makeover of three prominent blocks in the area.

Following consultation with local residents, Paul Stacey House, Douglas House and Pioneer House have been transformed with major internal works as well a fresh lick of paint, render, the replacement of stairwell windows and new balconies. The work has been completed by Whitefriars Housing Group.

Feature lighting has also been installed to the roof and canopy of the blocks to improve security and give the area a lift at night.

To recognise the end of the improvement programme, residents in the area were invited to a Whitefriars organised event. On offer was free food, local acts, including Romany dancers from Fredrick Bird School, the Blind Ladies Stick Dancing Group, acts from Caludon Castle School and Foleshillfields Fusion Project, and a ceremony to switch-on the feature lights.

Local residents were involved in planning the event and the programme for the night.

Lynn Hanson, customer involvement manager at Whitefriars Housing Group, said: “The blocks are a visible landmark, particularly from the ring road, and we and the residents felt it was important to ensure the external refurbishment complements the clean futuristic look of the adjacent city college.

“The works are the final stage of our refurbishment of the former Hillfields estate and have been really well received by residents.

“We wanted to mark the work by residents, staff and our contractors, and also provide an opportunity for this vibrant community to come together. Everyone really enjoyed themselves and we’ve had some fantastic feedback.”