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Upgrade works to Flint Tower blocks pave the way for new town centre development

Published: 29/04/2015

The high rise tower blocks in Flint are to receive a major upgrade as part of the County Council’s ambitious plans to regenerate the town. The large scale works on the 270 high rise flats will be delivered by contractor SERS Energy Solutions Ltd, who have been awarded the contract by Flintshire County Council. This scheme forms part of an overall £100 million upgrade to the Council’s housing stock across the County. SERS Energy Solutions Ltd will deliver concrete repairs, external wall insulation and roof insulation to increase the longevity and improve the energy efficiency of the buildings. The programme will also include the replacement of thousands of original windows, presenting a logistical challenge to coordinate trades in the most exposed of locations. The three towers were built in the 1960s and 1970s alongside the maisonettes, which are in the process of being demolished to make way for the first of 500 new homes to be built by the Council across the county. The Council has recently won an award and national recognition for its innovative methods of meeting housing needs through the launch of its affordable housing company, North East Wales (NEW) Homes. It continues to push to bring existing housing up to standard and, where needed, introduce new housing solutions. The tower blocks are hugely popular assets and this work will ensure that tenants enjoy homes that are warm, comfortable and affordable. SERs Energy Solutions Ltd, from South Wales, will be supported by Knauf and IKO Plc who will supply materials for the contract. Whilst this contract is expected to generate 20 to 30 jobs, further benefits will come from the fact that Knauf will be supplying materials from its nearby Deeside factory. Cllr Helen Brown, Cabinet Member for Housing said: ”This contract provides the first step for the new development of Flint town centre and demonstrates the Council’s vision for putting vibrancy back into communities. The Council expects works to start on Richard Heights this Spring. Tenants will be invited to participate throughout the scheme, including in the final design of the blocks.” SERS are experts in the design, supply and installation of energy saving solutions. They work in collaboration with their client to help make an informed choice on the best way to improve the energy performance of a property. Any residents or tenants interested in reducing the cost of energy in their home are invited to contact the Council’s partners, the North Wales Energy Advice Centre, free on 0800 954 0658. Image: Pictured outside Richard Heights in Flint are representatives from Flintshire County Council - including Cllr David Cox, Cllr Alex Aldridge, Cllr Bernie Attridge, Cllr Helen Brown, and Clare Budden, Chief Officer, Community and Enterprise; with representatives from SERS Energy Solutions Ltd.