Council announces £9.3m refurbishment plan for century old homes in Northumberland
A major £9.3m investment to revitalise 95 council owned homes in East Hartford has been approved.
The ambitious project is part of a broader £55.6m capital investment over four years which was approved by Northumberland County Council to upgrade and improve its council housing.
The properties will get a brand-new kitchen, bathroom, a full rewire, the installation of a new heating system and insulation, damp proofing, plastering and flooring. A full redecoration of the properties will put the finishing touches to the homes.
Cllr Colin Horncastle, cabinet member with responsibility for housing, said: “We have an ongoing programme of work across the county to continually improve our housing stock.
“The homes in East Hartford are over 100 years old, and we believe it is the right time for a major investment in these properties to ensure they meet the national Decent Homes standard.
“This major investment will ensure the tenants in East Hartford have modern, high-quality housing for decades to come.”
Ward councillor for East Hartford, Mark Morris, added: “While there will be some short-term disruption and inconvenience for residents – the transformation will be very much worth it as these homes will be fully refurbished and revitalised creating a better living environment for local residents.”
Due to the extensive nature of the work the council will be decanting affected tenants on a rolling programme into temporary accommodation on the estate which will minimise any disruption to schooling and social ties. Eight currently vacant properties will be retained and used as dedicated temporary housing for the duration of the project.
The full 95 house refurbishment scheme is expected to take four-years to complete.