Agenda item

Report attached.

In accordance with the Council’s Continuous Improvement Model, the Sub-Committee received an update on the regeneration on the Highfield Road estate, Collier Row.

The Sub-Committee noted that the scheme approved by Cabinet in January 2015 was designed to bring forward improvements to the various blocks associated with the estate and regeneration of the area.

It was stated that the housing estate in Collier Row consisted of 339 units of accommodation. A steering group of residents and council officers were involved at all stages of the process and the partnership between the council, residents and contractors was established and key aspects of concern was highlighted and used to design the strategy of physical and community improvements.

The report indicated that following an extensive survey of the estate and discussions with residents, a programme of communal improvements was drawn up which gave the estate a facelift, an improved appearance and better environment.

The proposed works included:

• External decorations to the blocks
• Concrete and balcony repairs and renewal of screens, where required
• Decoration of block entrances and stairs
• Upgrade to the door entry systems
• Improvements to the car parking and paths
• Landscaping and planting
• External wall insulation to non-traditional houses
• Improvements to the bin stores and waste disposal areas
• Improvements to the boundary walls and fencing

The Sub-Committee noted that during the course of the consultation with residents a detailed re-assessment was undertaken of any building fabric related issue. This was at the request of residents so that whilst contractors were on site the opportunity could be taken to:

• If applicable, bring forward any future planned works
• Minimise disruption to residents
• Achieve better value for money based on economy of scale.

The report indicated that residents were informed that only allocated resources within the overall capital programme could be utilised. The allocated resources within the overall programme were utilised to carry out the following works:

• Refurbishment of windows in communal areas
• Upgrading of block and dwelling entrance doors and door entry systems
• Provision of refuse enclosures
• Replacement of soffits and gutters
• Repairs to main roofs
• Replacement of aging flat roofing.

The report informed that the original budget approved was for £1.853 million which was supplemented by £600 thousand of the previously approved budget for works to non-traditional houses. The properties affected by these works were already included within the overall borough wide programme. The total cost of works associated with the scheme was £2.465 million. The Sub-Committee was informed that there had been an overspend of about £12 thousand on the main budget which was absorbed within the overall capital programme.

The Sub-Committee noted that all works were completed successfully and the external appearance of the estate and aspects associated with environmental management greatly improved. The physical work had encouraged local residents to continue with community engagement activities, helping to reduce vandalism, anti-social behaviour and improved the lettability of properties.

The Sub-Committee was informed that with regards to the proposals to rename blocks and the estate, the proposal was the subject of considerable consultation with local residents. It was proposed to re-name the blocks on the estate, and the estate itself after countries which are part of the British Overseas Territories, dominions or where the Queen is Head of State, as part of the improved community cohesion but this was not supported by residents and as a consequence the proposals were not taken forward.

The update report concluded that the work on the estate and the formation of the community group had made a significant impact on the identity and appearance of the estate.  The improvement programme provided a focus for engaging with the residents, and engendered a feeling of pride in the community, the estate and the borough.

The Sub-Committee commended the delivery of the programme of works in partnership with residents.

The Sub-Committee noted the update report with no further action proposed.