Council homes in a Wednesbury neighbourhood have undergone a major refurbishment, with two new apartments also created to help provide much-needed housing.
Sandwell Council and its contractor SWG Construction have completed the refurbishment and new-build project in Thorn Close, Wednesbury.
SWG has revitalised 12 one-bedroom and 16 three-bedroom two-storey apartments, while also adding two brand new one-bedroom single-storey apartments within the original under-used underpasses.
The project not only improves the quality of housing for residents but also enhances the surrounding environment with new landscaping, garden roofs, modernised communal spaces and upgraded facilities.
Alongside the new apartments, SWG completed essential works including a new steel frame pitched roof, replacement windows and doors, a new façade, updated staircases and balconies.
The scheme was designed by Sandwell Council’s Urban Design Building Services.
Councillor Vicki Smith, Sandwell Council’s Cabinet Member for Housing and Sustainable Development, said: “This project has refurbished existing apartments to improve living standards for our residents while also providing much-needed new homes, which is so important given the ever-increasing demands on council housing.
“I am also delighted to see how this construction project has positively supported jobs, work experience and training opportunities for the local community.”
Shaun Humphries, Director at SWG Construction, added: “We’re thrilled to have completed the new-build and retrofit work at Thorn Close. It’s an important project for us, not only in terms of the quality of the homes we’ve created but also the positive influence we’ve had on the local community.
“We’re committed to supporting local residents, creating jobs and providing work placements that help young people get a start in the construction industry.”
The Thorn Close project played an important role in supporting young people and the local workforce. SWG provided valuable work placements and training opportunities for young people, including a local painting and decorating student who gained hands-on experience on-site.
In addition, a local resident from Thorn Close who was previously not in education, employment or training was given the chance to work on the project, offering him a valuable opportunity to gain skills and work experience close to home.
As part of their community commitment, SWG also contributed to the local area by donating painting materials and labour to St Mary’s Church Hall and improving the Thorn Close compound area with new turfing.
The company also held fundraising coffee mornings at their offices in Wolverhampton and Welshpool to support Heart Care Healthy Living, a charity dedicated to helping communities in Walsall, Sutton Coldfield and surrounding areas to manage heart and lung health issues.