More than 1,500 homes across Sunderland are earmarked for significant improvement works, thanks to investment from Gentoo Housing Association.
ENGIE’s regeneration business has been appointed to deliver a four-year programme, aimed at prolonging Gentoo’s housing stock and ensuring residents are living in high-quality, energy-efficient and sustainable housing, within a safe environment.
The scope of work will include re-roofing existing properties and undertaking gable wall repairs at the Racecourse Estate in Houghton le Spring and Town End Farm, Sunderland. Several properties have been identified as shortly needing repointing, brickwork, leadwork, fire breaks and topping up roof space insulation; and Gentoo has committed to investing now, in an effort to future proof homes for their tenants.
All work will be completed with residents in occupation and ENGIE has pledged to work openly and closely with residents throughout the duration of the project to ensure disruption is kept to a minimum. Several consultation meetings and coffee mornings are scheduled for those who are affected by the programme of works; while a dedicated Resident Liaison Officer will also be on hand at all times.
Andrew McIntosh, Regional Managing Director for ENGIE’s Places & Communities division, said: “This is a sensitive but vital project, in which resident welfare is the utmost priority. Gentoo has a very clear and direct vision of ensuring their housing stock is fit for purpose and their tenants are safe and happy. We have demonstrated our extensive abilities in this line of work and have the infrastructure in place to ensure we deliver a seamless and inclusive programme for residents.
“As with all of our projects across the UK, we will also be looking to use a local supply chain and provide employment or training prospects for people in the area, including Gentoo tenants, to ensure we are putting as much as possible back into the local community.”
Conan McKinley, Gentoo’s Director of Asset Strategy, added: “Gentoo is committed to the continual investment in our customers’ homes and we look forward to working with ENGIE over the planned four-year period.”
Gentoo owns and manages more than 29,000 homes in Sunderland and is one of the region’s largest employers.
