ISG Secures £6.2 Million East Manchester Tower Block Upgrade
ISG has been awarded a £6.2 million project by Eastlands Homes Partnership Ltd to complete the final phase of external cladding improvements to its multi-storey blocks in East Manchester.
The façade enhancement scheme sees ISG upgrade two multi-storey tower blocks – Abbey Court and Cornwall Court - the concluding element of an investment by Eastlands Homes to regenerate six residential blocks. The scheme builds on ISG’s considerable experience of upgrading occupied apartment blocks, with the contractor recently delivering a similar project to re-clad three tower blocks for Your Homes in Newcastle.
The external appearance of the tower blocks will be transformed as part of the project, with a layer of high performance external insulation added beneath a new aluminium and terracotta cladding system to dramatically enhance the exterior of each building. All existing windows will be replaced with aluminium and timber composite units which, in combination with the new façade, will greatly enhance the thermal efficiency of the buildings and help minimise fuel costs for residents.
ISG will also open up all the enclosed balconies across both tower blocks and install glass and stainless steel balustrades in these areas. Significant work will be carried out at roof level to redesign the structure, creating upper and lower roof levels to house a new Eco-Pod pre-fabricated plant room with photovoltaic cells, which will provide part of the power supply for communal areas in Abbey Court. At Cornwall Court, the Eco-Pod will incorporate solar heating panels which will augment the building’s hot water system.
Internally, ISG will upgrade the common areas within each of the buildings, installing new fire doors and re-decorating throughout, with new floor finishes on the staircases. The scheme also incorporates extensive hard landscaping and external works, including the provision of new parking, residents’ allotments, secure bicycle stores and electric car charging points.
Andy Mallice, ISG’s Northern regional managing director, commented: “Modernising and improving the environmental performance and aesthetic appeal of existing social housing is a key objective for providers across the UK. At a fraction of the cost of new build solutions, these retrofit projects not only make economic sense but are also delivered without displacing tenants.
“By building a real specialism in this niche area of the social housing sector, ISG continues to secure projects with many of the UK’s largest operators by demonstrating meticulous planning and a considerate approach to site management.”
Nick Hann; Tel: 07970 275251; Email: nick.hann@isgplc.com
ISG Plc is an international construction services company delivering fit out, construction and a range of specialist services, with 31 offices worldwide. The company works with owners, developers and occupiers in the public and private sector for an extensive range of industries. ISG Plc was established in 1989 and has been quoted on AIM since 1998. Today the company has a turnover of around £1.1 billion.
For further information about ISG please visit our website www.isgplc.com