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Four contractors in a new five year partnership agreement are already at work in Cornwall on the latest stages of the multi-million pound Decent Homes scheme for Penwith Housing Association (PHA) which manages over 6,000 homes throughout the county.
They are Connaught, Mears, Ian Williams and ROK. Hundreds of homes are due for improvements in the coming year, especially in the Penwith area at St Ives, St Just, Newlyn, Heamoor, Madron, Ludgvan, Hayle, Mousehole, Marazion and Treneere estate at Penzance.
The new agreement follows a lengthy European Union procurement process over the past year which is estimated to be worth over £20-million.
“And having four contractors working on the programme, who are familiar with our requirements, will provide us with a robust resource to deliver the work efficiently, drawing its labour force, wherever possible, from Cornwall” said Jonathan Sprague, PHA’s Property Services Director.
At Treneere alone there are three phases of work, totalling over £2 million, continuing through into the New Year (2009). PHA has been working closely with the Treneere Together Partnership group on these. An eager onlooker (pictured) Mrs Mandy Hampton who has had extensive improvements at her home. She saw a house at Colinsey Road that had received a new bathroom, kitchen and central heating.
“The work these contractors will be undertaking for us doesn’t just stop at bringing our homes up to the necessary standard by the end of 2010. Improvement work will continue beyond this to ensure the housing stock remains compliant with the standard for the years that follow” Mr Sprague added. “And our tenant representatives have played a key role in evaluating contractors tender submissions”.
Ted Taylor of St Erth, vice-chair of the Peninsula Tenants Committee, remarked “Higher specifications are good for the long life of the final product”.
