Whitworth, Trans-Pennine Partnership

This development, valued at £1.56 million on completion, involved the refurbishment of 109 properties of various traditional and non-traditional construction types.

Location: Whitworth, Rochdale

Client: Green Vale Homes

Project value on completion: £1.56 million

Project status: Complete

Changing lives

When this project began, the client - Green Vale Homes - stated that, If we spend £1.5 million pounds on this and don't change people's lives, we will have failed.

People's lives have been changed. Lovell refurbished 109 properties of various traditional and non-traditional construction house types. Of these properties, 78 received new central heating, 97 new bathrooms and 81 new kitchens. The project was due to take just 25 weeks; it actually took 21 weeks. Tenants are delighted with their new, very high quality kitchens and bathrooms, and they were pleased with the way Lovell went about its business with care and consideration.

Putting the tenants' needs first

Lovell was selected following a procurement process that considered value for money, design and quality.

The Lovell liaison team then visited all tenants to discuss the programme of works and the design of their kitchens, heating and bathrooms. They were also presented with choices such as the colour of kitchen units, worktops, wall and floor tiles. They had a choice of electric or gas fire and the option of cornice, pelmets, work-top lighting and stainless steel cooker hood.

Lovell kept the tenants informed of all developments, timings and activities; tenants could also call their liaison officer any time they wished if they had a query. The Lovell liaison officer visited all tenants with increased frequency as the date approached for works to start. One visit was made six weeks before, the next was two weeks before, then one week before, then daily.

On the day that works started in each home, carpet and furniture protection was laid, and temporary services installed while the old kitchen was removed. Work was completed as quickly as possible to ensure disruption was kept to a minimum; in fact the average length of time for each home to be completed was less than three weeks. The Lovell established and successful supply chain played a crucial part in ensuring these tight schedules were met.

More than bricks and mortar

The tenants have responded incredibly positively and really appreciate their completed homes. The wider effect on the community is the pride they now have in their homes. Regular tenant surgeries helped bring back the community spirit and sense of togetherness, while the use of local companies where possible and the employment of local apprentices contributed to the local economy.