800
homes retrofitted
£16m
contract value
15%
of Aster housing stock
Aster Group has chosen Liberty as its strategic delivery partner for a major project installing renewable heating systems and solar PV to around 800 homes.
The programme will retrofit properties with vital energy‑efficiency upgrades as part of the Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund, with a £16m match fund between the government and Aster.
For Aster, this is the first time they have brought in an external contractor at this scale – a major step rooted in trust, collaboration, and the belief that our team will deliver something special for local communities in the South of England.
A project with real purpose
Most of the properties – largely terraced and semi‑detached homes – began the project with EPC ratings around D. The aim is to lift every home to EPC C or better by May 2026, supporting Aster’s mission to ensure all homes reach EPC C or higher by 2030 as part of wider government targets.
To make that happen, WPS, Liberty, NetZero Collective and Aster have set out on a programme of improvements that will touch every part of the energy infrastructure of each house – impacting comfort, safety and energy costs. Improvements include:
- Retrofit assessments and coordination
- External and cavity wall insulation
- Solar panels
- Replacement of older heating systems with air source heat pumps
- Mechanical ventilation for cleaner, safer air
- New windows and doors to keep heat where it belongs
But the project isn’t just about installing kit. It is about understanding what each household needs – and doing the work in a way that genuinely works for them.
Working side by side
From day one, the partnership has been built on openness. Our team is leading the project across its full lifecycle – planning, delivery, problem solving – but every decision is transparent, and grounded in a shared ambition to get things right.
Teams on both sides quickly found a rhythm when the project began. Regular conversations. Quick decisions. Honest feedback. A willingness to listen. This approach not only ensured the project got off to a strong start – it’s also created the foundation for an ongoing relationship far beyond this particular programme of works.
A unique, community‑first approach
One of the aspects that has made this programme stand out is our ability to balance specialist expertise with genuine value for money. Our tier one contractor status also means collaborating closely with SME partners, bringing a wide mix of skills and perspectives together. But perhaps the most meaningful impact hasn’t been technical – it’s been social. Across Wiltshire and Hampshire, we’ve been focussing on creating real opportunities for local people. We’ve hired apprentices, built relationships with local suppliers, and opened their doors to local job seekers. Our teams have also visited schools and run careers events, helping young people see futures they may not have considered before. This hasn’t just been about delivering property upgrades, it’s about leaving something positive behind.
Putting residents at the heart of everything
The place we call home is deeply personal, which is why our Resident Liaison Officers (RLOs) have played such a central role. They spend time with residents – on doorsteps, at community surgeries, in living rooms – explaining what the works mean and listen to concerns.
Their approach ensures residents understand not just what changes are happening, but why they matter:
- lower heating bills,
- healthier indoor air,
- reduced risk of fuel poverty,
- more secure, comfortable homes for years to come.
And while the technical upgrades make a difference, the human connection our RLOs created is often what residents remember most.
A partnership built on care and commitment
Steve Jackson, Managing Director – Liberty, said: “The partnership with Aster has been one of collaboration, transparency and proactive management from day one. Our team have gone far beyond to ensure residents feel supported and informed throughout the process.”
This project touches around 15% of Aster’s total housing stock – a big step forward in their long‑term journey toward decarbonisation. More importantly, it gives hundreds of households greater comfort, security, and peace of mind.
Looking ahead
The work continues, home by home. But the story so far is one of partnership, shared purpose, and genuine community impact. And for every family whose home becomes warmer, safer, and more efficient – that story is just beginning.
Share
Explore more of our commercial projects
Contact us
Get in touch to chat about your fit-out and refurbishment project.
