A CORNER of Redditch is being transformed by a four-year, £1.8million social housing regeneration project.
A renovation of 78 Redditch Borough Council flats and their surrounding area in High Trees Close, Oakenshaw, has ended its first major phase.
Unusual 1970s flats built as stepped terraces, which rise up a hillside, have had their characteristic roof balconies revamped to ensure the homes are better-insulated and drier with improved living spaces for residents.
Perished, cracked concrete planters and insufficient roof and wall insulation have been replaced with warmer, better cladding, decking, and powder-coated rails with frosted glass.
It marks the end of the first of three phases of the improvements in High Trees Close, which began in 2022 and has included upgrades to local bin stores, street lighting, tarmac paving and kerbstones.
Redditch Borough Council’s portfolio holder for housing, Coun Bill Hartnett, said: “When you compare the before and after this is a remarkable example of how to retrofit and modernise social housing.
“The high standard of the work is clearly visible, but there’s also been a high level of engagement and respect running through the project as well, between the council, our contractors, and our tenants, who didn’t even need to be moved out to get it done.
“The residents even voted to choose the colours used for their block.
“It’s a project we can be proud of.”
He added these properties had been transformed and looked forward to the next phases soon.
The borough council has a £10million annual capital plan to improve the 6,000-plus council homes it manages in Redditch.
Upgrades range from replacing kitchens and fitting new boilers, to improved roofs, and more.
Redditch Borough Council leader, Coun Joe Baker, said: “This council is committed to improving Redditch’s housing stock year on year for the benefit of tenants both now and in the future.”
