Council completes modernisation of dozens of properties
Forty one council homes have now been refurbished in Chesterfield – creating brighter, more easily accessible spaces designed to help residents continue to live independently.
Properties at Mallard Court and Leander Court in Staveley are the latest and final independent living flats to undergo a complete modernisation – and mark the completion of a £3.8m refurbishment scheme by Chesterfield Borough Council.
The overall appearance of the flats has been carefully crafted to create a modern and fresh look, and support the council’s vision of creating a greater sense of community by transforming the way it refurbishes homes.
The refurbishment of these properties has seen each home benefit from a newly renovated kitchen and lounge area, whilst each bathroom has been converted into a wet room with a level access shower. This means that homes better meet the needs of residents and allow them to continue living independently.
As part of the council’s commitment to tackling loneliness and social isolation, the effective redesign of these homes will also contribute to a positive living space for residents. Communal and shared areas, both indoors and outdoors, have been given a facelift to create brighter open spaces for residents to get together and socialise. As part of this, both buildings have been linked together to provide additional opportunities for people to spend time together.
As part of its Climate Change Action Plan, the council is committed to ensuring that its existing housing stock is as energy efficient as possible and reduce energy use. The refurbishment of the flats has included new window, roofs and energy efficient facades. Low energy lighting has also been installed in the buildings.
Councillor Chris Ludlow, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for housing, said: “We’re really pleased to have reached this milestone and have now successfully refurbished all of our homes that are designed to help residents continue living independently, keeping to our promise of creating attractive places to live. We are committed to improving the quality of life for local people and a key part of our housing strategy is to make sure that our homes are of excellent quality and create a modern and desirable environment.
“By creating open spaces in these properties, it also creates a place where our residents can get together, meet new people and socialise. The council is committed to tackling loneliness and social isolation, so we hope to see as many residents as possible getting together and enjoying these spaces.”
Pat Fletcher has recently moved in to Leander Court from nearby Aston Court, where she had lived for 16 years. Pat said: “I love living here, the team have done a great job with the refurbishment.
“The communal areas here are fantastic too and a great way to meet up with friends and neighbours. A group of us meet in the communal kitchen at 2pm every day. It’s nice to have the patio and outdoor space that we can all enjoy and use to socialise.”
The refurbishment project started in October 2017 and has also seen Markham Court, Catherine Court, Glebe Court and Brocklehurst Court all being refurbished, alongside Mallard Court and Leander Court.
The properties have been refurbished and modernised by the council’s main contractor, Fortem Solutions Ltd. as part of the council’s commitment to investing in its housing stock.
Councillor Ludlow added: “We’re really pleased to have continued to work with our contractor, Fortem Solutions Ltd. throughout this project. We like to thank all staff for their continued commitment to ensuring that this project has been completed and maintained to the standards our residents expect. Despite the challenges of COVID-19, we have continued to work together safely to complete the project and deliver modern and attractive homes for our residents.”
James Taylor, Contracts Manager at Fortem, said: “We are extremely proud to hand over the completed refurbishment of Mallard Court and Leander Court back to the council and residents. This is the fifth, and largest, refurbishment of existing sheltered accommodation that Fortem have carried out for Chesterfield Borough Council, and the results speak for themselves. It is amazing what can be achieved by utilising existing buildings to provide quality, efficient and welcoming homes for the residents of Chesterfield.”
