We worked in partnership with regeneration specialist RE:GEN to deliver the refurbishment, creating safer, more modern homes for our residents at Glastonbury House in Priestfields.
The extensive programme included new fire safety measures, mechanical and electrical upgrades, improved security and CCTV, a new sprinkler system, ventilation improvements, upgraded bathrooms, kitchens and doors, a refurbished communal kitchen, full decoration and much more.
Claire Atkinson, our investment area manager, said: "We’re committed to providing homes that are fit for the future, so we’re delighted to mark the completion of Glastonbury House and to celebrate the improvements with our customers.”
"We know the work has caused some disruption at times and we're incredibly grateful for the understanding our residents have shown throughout.”
To mark the occasion, we hosted a special thank you event for residents to recognise their patience throughout the programme of works.
Customers were invited to enjoy lunch and live entertainment from local performers, Serenity Duo. Every resident who attended also received a raffle ticket, with prizes donated by RE:GEN.
Claire added: "The improvements have already made a real difference to customers' homes and shared spaces, helping people to live independently in a home they can feel proud of, while also feeling part of a community."
As part of RE:GEN's social value commitment, a collection of board games and garden planters have also been donated for customers to enjoy in the communal lounge and garden. Residents have also benefited from new garden furniture, providing a place to relax, socialise or simply enjoy the outdoors.
Dave Brown, managing director at RE:GEN North East, said: “Glastonbury House has been a significant project, not only in terms of the scale of investment and the improvements delivered for residents, but also the wider impact it has created in the local community.
“Creating jobs, skills and opportunities has been a key part of our approach. Working alongside RE:GEN Academy, we delivered two Route to Retrofit Skills Bootcamps in partnership with Thirteen’s Employability team – the first of their kind to be delivered in Tees Valley with funding from Tees Valley Combined Authority. Of the 18 people who completed the training, five have gone on to secure employment, including two Thirteen customers. It’s a fantastic outcome and demonstrates the real difference these opportunities can make.
“We’ve also invested more than £10,000 in community initiatives, including improving the outdoor space at Glastonbury House and supporting JPC Community Farm, helping to create spaces that residents and the wider community can enjoy and benefit from.
“This has been a big project that has created a big impact, and it’s fantastic to see everyone who has contributed to it come together to celebrate its completion. A huge thank you to the residents for their patience and support throughout the works, to the Thirteen team for their collaboration, and to our supply chain partners and everyone involved in delivering the programme. It’s been a real team effort, and we’re incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved together.”
The project was subject to a Building Safety Regulator application, helping to ensure the highest standards of safety and compliance throughout the works.
Glastonbury House is a 91-home scheme, helping customers aged 60 and over continue to live independently. The investment forms part of our wider commitment to improving customers' homes and communities across the North East and Yorkshire.
Glastonbury House celebration
