ALMOST 350 homes situated in the Kirkdale and Walton areas in Merseyside are set to benefit from a range of retrofit works that will increase energy efficiency, reduce residents’ energy bills and improve thermal comfort.

North west-based social housing provider Onward Homes is currently working in partnership with Skelmersdale-based principal retrofit contractor Sustainable Building Services (UK) Ltd (SBS). Following successful and on-time completion of the first phase of works in May, the project has now entered its second phase.

The £9.5 million project spanning 343 terraced properties built between 100 and 150 years ago has been funded through the government’s Warm Homes: Social Housing Fund Wave 3, with SBS appointed to deliver the works via the Fusion21 Decarbonisation Framework.

Ian Jones, regional director at SBS, said: “Liverpool is an important region within our growth plan, while it holds additional significance because many of our team are from these local communities. We’re extremely proud to be working in Merseyside and making a real difference to people’s lives and the regional net zero efforts.

“Residents have been sharing positive feedback on the immediate impacts, from thermal comfort to greater soundproofing and improved property appearance, which is further motivation to leave areas in a better state than we entered them.

“During this project, we have been employing local people via Everton in Community and engaging with colleges to provide work experience opportunities, so that the benefits of retrofit interventions stretch as far as possible.”

Following property-by-property assessments to determine the most effective approach in raising all properties to an EPC band rating of ‘C’ or better, SBS has been undertaking a range of retrofit measures including cavity wall insulation, loft insulation, replacement doors and windows, and ventilation upgrades. This fabric first approach will mean that properties retain heat during cold weather and are at less risk of overheating during the warmer summer months. Additionally, to maximise the opportunities to unlock economies of scale, SBS is also undertaking repair works including roof alterations and extensions.

Ross Bagnall, retrofit assistant project manager at Onward Homes, said: “SBS is a very reputable contractor in the retrofit industry, with a significant amount of knowledge and experience. Having SBS to lean on and maintaining a working relationship with them has been brilliant so far. I’m looking forward to working with them through the next phase of this project.

“As well as making our customers’ homes more affordable to run, while keeping them informed about what the works entail throughout the process, we know that our investment can have broader benefits. Our partnership with Liverpool City Council and SBS is ensuring that we leave a positive legacy that extends beyond our customers’ homes. For example, it will include improvements for local waste management services, and opportunities for owner-occupiers to be involved in a whole neighbourhood approach to retrofit – so it’s not only our tenants who will benefit.”

The working partnership between Onward Homes and SBS began in 2022, when the contractor was approached by the social housing provider to undertake detailed property assessments and provide solutions to thermally upgrade its terraced housing. Since then, several successful projects have been completed together across the north west.

The ongoing project in Merseyside is expected to be completed in March 2028.

For more information about SBS, visit www.sustainablebuildinguk.com.