A partnership in Newcastle is creating one of the most energy-efficient tower blocks in the North East.
Marking a significant step in combating energy inefficiency, RE:GEN North East, Your Homes Newcastle and Newcastle City Council are rolling out a solution that is surpassing national energy targets set by UK Government.
The £4.1m project at Heaton Park Court in Newcastle’s city centre is underway to decarbonise the building by removing all gas appliances and installing a range of energy efficiency measures.
“This project is delivering some of the most energy-efficient homes we have seen in the last few years,” said RE:GEN North East Managing Director, Jonathan Horner. “Tower blocks like Heaton Park Court, built in the early 1960s, pose significant challenges due to aging infrastructure. However, our approach of ‘insulate then generate’ has enabled us to revolutionise their energy performance.”
As well as increasing the levels of insulation in the building through external wall insulation and new windows, the installation of exhaust heat pumps and high retention heaters will optimise energy consumption by leveraging off-peak tariffs, resulting in homes staying warmer for longer, for less cost.
As part of the Social Decarbonisation Housing Fund, (SHDF) UK Government has set targets to achieve a heat demand level of 90 kilowatts, per metre square, per year.
Some of the 72 flats at Heaton Park Court are achieving reduced heat demand levels of as low as 15.
Jonanthan continued: “We know the true difference creating warmer, safer, and healthier homes will make to this community. This project underscores our commitment to being a true regeneration specialist and we hope this will be a leading example of how with fantastic client and supplier partnerships, even the most challenging problems can be overcome!”
Frances Siurs who moved into the building when it opened in 1961, said: “I feel very lucky to still have a flat in a community I’ve lived in for 63 years and even more so to know how much these works are going to improve my quality of life and others. I’m really looking forward to the works happening.”
Henry Junior Conteh, a 24-year-old masters student who lives at Heaton Park Court, commented: “The state of my living environment bears direct consequences on my daily life, and any enhancements made to the buildings undoubtedly contribute to the overall welfare of residents. The replacement of my windows, for instance, not only elevate the visual appeal of my home but also render my living space more energy-efficient and cosy, with a marked reduction in drafts and noise.
“Implementing eco-friendly measures not only aligns with global environmental objectives, but also ensures a more sustainable and conscientious living environment for all residents.”
Cllr Marion Williams, Cabinet Member for a Connected, Clean City at Newcastle City Council, said: “I am so pleased to see projects like this are having such a positive impact on residents’ lives, helping them to save money on their energy bills and reduce their carbon footprint.
“We can see the enthusiasm residents have for the new, greener technology, which helps to make their homes more sustainable and better for the environment.
“As a city, we are continuing to make great strides towards becoming net zero by 2030 but we know there is a lot of work still to be done.
“We remain committed to working with partners to deliver projects like this which enhance residents’ lives and create a cleaner, greener and healthier future for everyone.”
Header image: Gareth Hutchinson, RE:GEN Project Manager, Frances Siurs resident, Jonathan Horner, MD RE:GEN, Henry Junior Conteh resident and Cllr Marion Williams
