Sandwell Homes embark on £8m refurb project

Published by Hannah Wooderson for Sandwell Homes Limited in Housing

Sandwell Homes is due to begin one of its most ambitious projects to date with extensive improvements being made to Lancaster House in Oldbury.

The work is being undertaken by Sandwell Homes with construction partner Thomas Vale and Sandwell Council’s Urban Design and will cost in the region of £8m to complete.

Details of the refurbishment include: brickwork and concrete repairs with an external overcoat to improve both the appearance and insulation of the block, new windows, canopies to front entrance, refurbished or new balcony panels, new laundry and community room, lift refurbishment, communal area redecoration, landscaping and new parking facilities, fire precautionary work (where required), and even the creation of new flats at roof level.

The creation of the flats is the first undertaking of its kind since Sandwell’s Decent Homes programme began and will go some way toward addressing the current waiting list for council properties. There will be eight new two-bedroom flats built onto the existing structure.

An action group has been formed, consisting of 12 residents from the block who will meet monthly to represent the views of tenants and residents. The group will be able to raise concerns or highlight issues with the project manager, ensuring they are consulted throughout each stage of the refurbishment.

Ian Robbins, lead customer liaison officer for Sandwell Homes, is excited to be part of the project. He said: “This is going to be a signature block as it will be completely transformed. Not only will this have a huge impact on the blocks’ residents but also on the entire area particularly as a result of the landscaping improvements.

“It is an extremely ambitious project incorporating eight new flats that will be built on top of what is now the existing roof.”