Two high-rise tower blocks in Stoke-on-Trent will be refurbished in an £8.3 million project.

Planned works at the 12-storey Wellington Court and Westwood Court in Hanley will include the installation of new sprinkler systems, replacement windows and doors and external insulation.

Lift refurbishments and the installation of a replacement roof to ensure long-term weather protection will also be carried out.

The project, due to start in summer 2027, will be the final stage of Stoke-on-Trent City Council's programme to refurbish all five of its high-rises in Hanley, which began a decade ago.

Cabinet members will be asked to approve the works and the appointment of Novus Property Solutions as the principle contractor, following a 'mini tender' exercise.

Stoke-on-Trent-based Novus will be paid £6.1 million for the work, while AtkinsRealis UK Limited will be paid around £500,000 to provide consultancy support.

The two blocks together contain 92 flats, of which 16 are leasehold properties, with the rest being part of the council's social housing stock.

It is expected that residents will be able to stay in the building during the works, which are due to be finished by winter 2028.

advertisement

The council says residents will be kept engaged and informed throughout the project.

Councillor Chris Robinson, cabinet member for housing, planning, improvement and governance at, said: "This major refurbishment work is essential as part of our drive to deliver safe, energy-efficient, modern and affordable homes around the city.

"While the programme is comprehensive and includes a wide range of modernising initiatives, we are looking to carry out the work with the disruption to residents being kept to a minimum.

"We will be talking to people at all stages of the project to keep them informed and there will be the ongoing opportunity to feedback concerns and ask questions."

The council estimates that the total cost of the refurbishment, including inflation and a 20 per cent contingency, will be £8.281 million, equating to around £90,000 per flat. It is also estimated that £288,000 will be recoverable from the leaseholders.

The report to cabinet says that it is not currently possible to conclude whether the project represents value for money, as this will depend on further appraisal.

According to the report, the refurbishment will represent value for money if it avoids higher future cost, extends asset life, mitigates risks and is the lowest cost option.

Cabinet members are expected to give the project the green light when they meet on Tuesday.

advertisement