Tower block's new lease of life

A block of flats in Redcar & Cleveland is to benefit from its first major refurbishment since it was built 30 years ago in an investment totaling £2.5 million.

Spencerbeck House was taken over by Coast & Country Housing in 2002 and the RSL is now setting out to transform the building by the end of 2010. In the three decades of its life, the building has only ever undergone minimal internal works until now.

The project aims to bring the flats up to modern standards, making them more sustainable and improving residents’ quality of life.

Externally the block will be given a major facelift with new high-performance thermal windows and render finish with tenants being involved in the colour choice. Internally, the properties are being rewired and will have new kitchens, bathrooms, including a shower, and energy efficient heating systems installed.

Work is also being carried out to upgrade the communal areas. Security systems, such as CCTV, also are being fitted.

Anthony Brown, head of property maintenance at Coast & Country, said: “It’s essential that people have access to good quality, secure and affordable homes. Coast & Country is refurbishing Spencerbeck House to the highest standards with the end result being comfortable, safe and economical to run homes for its residents.”

Ivor Knowles, who lives at Spencerbeck House, said: “It’s going to improve the quality of my life an enormous lot. The heating systems are a lot better than what we had. You can feel it now – it’s lovely and warm in here; where at one time it wasn’t.”