The work has been carried out following long-term collaboration with the client, Onward, who Equans supported with their application for Social Housing Decarbonisation Funding (SHDF Wave 1).
The scheme has taken a ‘fabric-first’ approach to decarbonising the properties, with over £6m of investment into major improvements including new air ventilations systems, roofs, windows, and doors. Residents will now benefit from warmer, more comfortable homes into the winter months as well as reduced energy consumption.
Equans’ refurbishment team has been working with Onward in Murdishaw since 2021 on this scheme, undertaking property and structural surveys, gathering retrofit data and carrying out energy assessments from the beginning, ensuring the works were completed to the required PAS2030/2035 specification.
Alongside the home improvement work, Onward has supported the local community to regenerate a previously disused boxing gym in the area into a brand-new community café and hub. Through their social value commitment, Equans provided funds for the refurbishment of the new café, helping to create a fresh space which can be used by the people of Murdishaw for years to come.
Neil Warburton, Director of Regeneration and Sustainability at Equans, said:
“We’re delighted to see this transformational scheme draw to a close, with the end product an attractive regeneration of this community that will leave a lasting legacy.
“This is one of a number of schemes that Equans has completed, and is still delivering, utilising Social Housing Decarbonisation Funding. We’re delighted to be one of the leading providers of regeneration and energy efficiency work, supporting partners such as Onward in achieving the funding before delivering schemes that provide maximum value and quality for money. This scheme is an example of how collaboration across the board can result in an end product that benefits residents and the environment.”
James Hill, Director of Property at Onward, said:
“Over the past twelve months, we have been working with our local partners and residents to regenerate Murdishaw by making improvements to homes and supporting the community’s vision for a new local centre in the heart of the neighbourhood.
“The retrofit works that have been delivered with Equans have addressed the poor energy efficiency of the bungalows, meaning residents will now benefit from warmer, more comfortable homes. Reaching the end of this work is another important milestone in our journey in Murdishaw.”
