£2.8million investment plans transform homes on Middlesbrough estate [Archived]

Thirteen has been working in partnership with Gateshead-based regeneration specialist RE:GEN to deliver the investment work, which started on site earlier this year. 

The range of work has seen some customers on the Whinney Banks estate receive roof improvements, kitchens, bathrooms, cloakrooms and level access showers, which has enhanced the appearance and accessibility of the homes and ensured they are wind, watertight and energy efficient.

Customer Kevin McGoldrick who has lived on the estate for 56 years, thanked the team and couldn’t stop singing their praises.  He said: “The team really have gone the extra mile.”

Thirteen’s partnership project manager Rubie Lee said: “We’re committed to investing in our customers’ homes. Over the year we’ve seen the transformation of the estate. Receiving investment work can be quite disruptive for our customers, but to see the difference it’s made and to hear the feedback from customers like Kevin has been invaluable.

“Seeing the customers excited about the work is really rewarding. The modern kitchen choices like the one fitted for Kevin, gives our customers the opportunity to personalise their home.”

Lee Francis, CEO at RE:GEN Group added: “Thirteen’s vision to enhance the lives of those in the Whinney Banks estate was something we were incredibly excited to get behind. We share their passion for ensuring that customers not only feel part of the process but feel valued, so our team have spent time with the residents to ensure that they have been kept up to date with the work being delivered.”

Phase two of the work will see a further 24 homes receive work in the new year. In this year’s programme around 500 homes in Middlesbrough are benefitting from the £36million plans.

Over the next five years, Thirteen is investing over £230million across almost 25,000 homes within 15 local authority areas.