A major £7.2 million investment programme has been completed at a sheltered housing scheme in Middlesbrough, bringing significant improvements to residents’ homes and communal spaces.
Thirteen worked in partnership with regeneration specialist RE:GEN North East to deliver the refurbishment, creating safer, more modern homes for residents at Glastonbury House in Priestfields.
The extensive programme included new fire safety measures, mechanical and electrical upgrades, improved security and CCTV, a new sprinkler system, ventilation improvements, upgraded bathrooms, kitchens and doors, a refurbished communal kitchen, full decoration and much more.
For RE:GEN Solutions, this project was an important part of our work with Thirteen Group – with our asbestos removal team completing specialist works earlier in the programme to help enable the wider refurbishment to progress safely.
Our team was brought in to deliver extensive asbestos removal across 13 levels, including the removal of asbestos insulation board (AIB), alongside non-licensed and enabling works.
Because of the nature of the building and its residents, detailed planning, collaboration and communication were central to the delivery.
Our team worked closely with Thirteen and the wider project team and our works were completed on time, within budget and with 100% adherence to the relevant contract and framework KPIs.
Now, seeing the wider refurbishment complete and residents enjoying improved homes, it’s rewarding to look back at the part our team played in making that transformation possible.
Dave Muir, Asbestos Coordinator, Thirteen Group, said:
“I’m extremely grateful for the amount of pre-planning that went into this project. There was also the restructuring of the programme to help alleviate the late night finishes during a period where a lot of people where going out of their way to get the tenants back into their flats as quickly as possible.”
Claire Atkinson, investment area manager at Thirteen, said:
“We’re committed to providing homes that are fit for the future, so we’re delighted to mark the completion of Glastonbury House and to celebrate the improvements with our customers.”
“We know the work has caused some disruption at times and we’re incredibly grateful for the understanding our residents have shown throughout.”
To mark the occasion, Thirteen hosted a special thank you event for residents to recognise their patience throughout the programme of works.
Customers were invited to enjoy lunch and live entertainment from local performers, Serenity Duo. Every resident who attended also received a raffle ticket, with prizes donated by RE:GEN.
Claire added: “The improvements have already made a real difference to customers’ homes and shared spaces, helping people to live independently in a home they can feel proud of, while also feeling part of a community.”
The project was subject to a Building Safety Regulator application, helping to ensure the highest standards of safety and compliance throughout the works.
Glastonbury House is a 91-home scheme, helping customers aged 60 and over continue to live independently. The investment forms part of Thirteen’s wider commitment to improving customers’ homes and communities across the North East and Yorkshire.
