Improving our homes: £430 million investment to transform council homes
The Royal Borough of Greenwich has announced its biggest investment in council homes for a generation – as part of a £430 million capital repairs programme.
Work to some of our existing council homes from now until 2029 will cover external improvements including new roofs, new or improved kitchens and bathrooms, and electrical wiring and heating upgrades. Huge investments will also be made to replace lifts, upgrade CCTV and door entry systems, as well as fire, electrical, gas and water safety improvements.
Works have been prioritised based on homes and blocks that are in the greatest need of repair or refurbishment, following an extensive stock condition survey and assessment throughout the borough's council stock and buildings. Eligible residents due to benefit from improvement work in their homes will be notified throughout the course of the programme.
L-R: MP Clive Efford, Cllr Rachel Taggart-Ryan, Cllr Anthony Okereke meet family
The programme also includes our first large-scale external refurbishment programme for 12 years. This includes concrete and timber repairs, walkway and balcony repairs, new gutters and communal outdoor spaces, and will encompass houses, bungalows and estates, as well as blocks.
Cllr Anthony Okereke, Leader of the Royal Borough of Greenwich, said: “Everyone should have access to a safe and secure home that meets their needs. This is the biggest investment we’ve made to our council homes in a generation, and over the course of the next five years we’ll be working with consultants and a range of contractors to help transform the lives of our council tenants.”
Momotaz and Monjur, were some of the early tenants to have their kitchen, bathroom and downstairs toilet upgraded as part of the capital repairs programme. The family have been living in their council home for three years after moving from Plumstead.
L-R: Cllr Rachel Taggart-Ryan; Cllr Pat Slattery; Andre Culleton, Associate Operations Manager at Mulalley; Council Leader, Cllr Anthony Okereke with resident.
They proudly showed their new kitchen and bathroom to Council Leader Cllr Anthony Okereke; Cabinet Member for Housing, Neighbourhoods and Homelessness Cllr Pat Slattery; Middle Park & Horn Park Ward Cllr Rachel Taggart-Ryan; and Clive Efford MP for Eltham.
Momotaz said: “When we first moved in, the old bathroom and sink, especially the sink, was very old and water used to leak out of it. So, when I found out we were eligible to get a new kitchen and bathroom upgrade, I was really happy.
“I was able to choose the style and colour I wanted in the kitchen, and we also got new wiring and sockets in the kitchen, new smoke alarms and an electric shower. The team who came to fit the kitchen did a great job and it’s so much better now – I'm really happy with the work”.
Cllr Pat Slattery, Cabinet Member for Housing, Neighbourhoods and Homelessness, said: “We believe in quality homes in quality neighbourhoods, that meet what people want for 21st-century living. We know that a home is not just a roof over your head, it's a place where we should feel most comfortable and where we raise our families and relax with our friends.
“Making such a significant investment to our council homes will see real improvements to the places our residents call home, as well as the lives of local people.”
The capital repairs programme investment also includes a £21million energy efficiency improvement programme that has started to transform over 600 older council homes in the south of the borough.
Improvements under this programme will vary from home to home, but will include new double-glazed window replacements, cavity wall insulation, ventilation upgrades, external wall insulation, loft insulation and more.