Wates Living Space installs 1000th new kitchen

24 March, 2010

As part of its seven-year contract to deliver decent homes across Birmingham, Wates Living Space has refurbished its 1000th kitchen.

Leading affordable housing contractor, Wates Living Space was appointed by Birmingham City Council onto the Birmingham Construction Partnership in May 2004 and in September 2008, Wates, alongside partner Urban Design,  was awarded a £7.9 million contract to deliver a kitchen and bathroom replacement programme across South Birmingham.

Tom Langley Business Director at Wates said: “We are delighted to have reached this milestone of refurbishing 1000 new kitchens. We have a had a great response to our work from residents and have put a lot of focus into trying to minismise disruption for them.  The team was thrilled to recevie a 98% customer satisfaction rating from residents.

“Prior to installation, we invited local residents to view kitchen and bathroom displays at our local showroom and then work with them to select the materials and specification of their kitchens and bathrooms. Transforming their homes is really rewarding work.”

Mrs Stowe from the Hawkesley Estate in Kings Norton was the 1000th person to have a new kitchen installed. She said: “The work undertaken by the Wates team has been fantastic. I chose my own kitchen design and the installation was complete within a few weeks.”

“I also had my bathroom renovated at the same time and now have a walk-in shower as well as a new suite. It has been marvellous and has really improved my quality of life. Many of my neighbours have also had new kitchens and bathrooms and everyone is very pleased with the results.”

As part of the largest Decent Homes project in the UK, Wates has been working with residents in affordable housing schemes across the city, undertaking rewiring, installing new central heating systems, replacing roofs and installing new security doors and windows to more than 6000 properties.

The team has also helped to improve the lives of local communities by building a new outdoor classroom at a local junior school and donating football kits to children’s teams. The company undertook a makeover to a communal room for elderly and local community groups in the Cornerway Sheltered Accommodation Scheme (insert location). This included redecoration as well as donating a new bingo machine and games.

Tom continued: “We like to think we give something back to communities in which we work. We improve the lives of local people by restoring their property but also regenerate the local area during our community days. We are not simply looking to help our clients transform housing, but to assist them in revitalising communities and delivering affordable homes that people want to live and work in for years to come.”

To download this press release as a pdf click here

Categories: refurbishment, regeneration, affordable housing

Tags: Birmingham Construction Partnership