A four-year major works investment programme promises £104m of upgraded homes and employment opportunities across England and Scotland
Delivered under a strategic framework, Places for People’s new major works investment programme aims to drive customer efficiency at a reduced delivery cost.
Five regional contractors have been appointed to the framework:
Bell Group has been appointed in Scotland
Connolly Limited in the North West of England
Wates in the North East and central areas
MD Group in the South West
Novus Property Solutions in the South East
Using this regional approach, Places for People has saved an estimated £2.46m, which it intends to reinvest in the communities it will be working in.
Each contractor has committed to social value goals
Across the next four years, 200 apprenticeships, 1,750 training places (including places on the Construction Skills Certificate Scheme), 850 work experience places and 9,700 volunteer hours will be invested in local communities.
Community refurbishment projects and DIY workshops will benefit from donated materials and labour, as well as financial donations to local charitable causes.
Places for People’s director of asset strategy and investment, Mark Arnold, commented: “We have a proud and longstanding track record of working collaboratively with our supply chain to the benefit of our customers. Our new framework formalises this approach, with a sustainable commercial model that even in its first year, will result in almost 10% of construction cost savings that is already being invested in community initiatives.”
Energy efficiency upgrades are also part of the major works investment programme
A £4.9m energy efficiency programme adding solar hot water heating systems is already underway, with the installation of PV panels, low energy lighting and energy efficient storage heaters, as well as a programme to upgrade insulation in almost 900 homes across the country to follow.
A sheltered scheme in the North West of England is the site of a £1m energy efficiency improvement programme.
There are also pioneering projects taking place in certain areas, including a £1m energy efficiency improvement programme at a sheltered scheme in the North West of England.
Mark continued: “We have listened to our customers through their queries, complaints or surveys and are making evidence-based decisions.
“This programme is a response to their needs, exceeding regulatory requirements and delivering sustainable homes and sustainable communities. It will generate thousands of new opportunities for customers in the next four years and I am proud to have commenced this programme and look forward to working with people in and around our communities as the concept becomes a reality.”
You can learn more about Places for People’s social value initiatives here.
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