Housing improvements follow handover of huge estate

A total of 1,184 homes on North Bransholme was transferred to the Liverpool-based Riverside Group Ltd in November, a move that will see significant investment in the area. Preston-based building services company, Forrest, has been awarded the door improvements contract and has started replacing about 2,000 doors at homes on the estate.

Hull firm Heat Insulation will start insulating lofts next week with 1,200 properties expected to be treated over the next three months.

Operations manager Ricky Swan said: “With our extensive knowledge and experience within the insulation industry, we are confident that we will deliver a first-class service and are very much looking forward to working with both Riverside and the residents of North Bransholme.”

Gas central heating systems will be upgraded and installed by heating company Aqua Interiors, with work expected to start in April.

Further work on empty properties will be carried out by Kier Construction.

Andrew Stubbs, the director of frameworks at Forrest, said: “Forrest is delighted to have been appointed to work on the North Bransholme project.

“It’s a great opportunity to work in partnership with Riverside, UrBan (tenants’ organisation) and the residents of North Bransholme to deliver sustainable improvements for the local community.”

The contractors will also be creating apprenticeships and trainee positions.

They are also hoping to recruit local people to work on the improvement programme.

Other improvements being made by Riverside over the next five years include new front and back fencing around homes on the estate.

A report in 2009 revealed that one area of the estate was in the worst one per cent in the country for crime; another area on the estate was the 29th worst for education and skills.