Council says renovating homes in Eastwood conservation area has 'transformed' community
Broxtowe Council says improvement work on houses in a conservation area in Eastwood has not only lifted the appearance of the properties but also changed the lives of people for the better.
Westdale North Limited has been doing significant energy efficiency retrofit work in Eastwood on homes in areas like Princes Street and Wellington Street close to the birthplace of famous English novelist DH Lawrence.
And the council says the work has given the area a new lease of life.
The project involves upgrading Victorian terraced houses to modern standards by installing them with external wall insulation (EWI)to improve properties' thermal performance, reduce energy bills, and tackle fuel poverty for residents.
The work has been praised by the building industry and has earned Westdale award nominations for their innovative approach in preserving heritage while improving living conditions.
Dr Latifimran Jalil, energy improvement and grant co-ordinator at the council, said: ""We decided to improve the housing stock in the area, to improve the thermal performance of the buildings and improve the comfort of the houses, as well as reduce their energy bills.
"The important thing to understand here is that these houses were built in Victorian times and it is unfair that residents live in Victorian standards - we need to get them into modern standards.
"Clearly there is a benefit to saving houses, not merely demolishing them.
"Refurbishing them so they can be fit for the future.
"Regenerating them and giving them a new lease of life, so they can in turn provide a new lease of life for residents, boosting wellbeing and prosperity."