VINCI Facilities has won a new four-year contract with Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council to deliver external improvement works across its social housing estates starting in January.
Delivered by VINCI Facilities Building Solutions Midlands team the work will include upgrading doors, windows, roofs and security for Sandwell’s social housing stock in the southern half of the borough - Oldbury, Rowley Regis and Smethwick - and builds on a successful 14-year relationship with the council.
The team’s experience and understanding of tenant’s requirements is important as a key aspect to the contract is the partnership with the council’s own team, working to tight budgets and establishing a planned and cyclical maintenance schedule.
VINCI Facilities Building Solutions team already appreciate that many residents face the dilemma of fuel poverty, spending a significant amount of money paying fuel bills. Therefore, as the team assess the properties and deal with the tenants, they will make recommendations about improving the energy efficiency of properties over and above any external works.
Councillor Kerrie Carmichael, Sandwell’s cabinet member for housing, said: “This latest phase of investment in our council homes will see thousands of tenants benefiting from these external improvements which also include replacing all wooden front and rear doors with composite doors providing better insulation and improved security.
“This scheme is part of the council’s £485 million ten-year Housing Investment Programme which focuses on improving the council’s existing housing stock as well as building new council homes.”
Tony Raikes, Managing Director of VINCI Facilities said: “Social housing is major part of our Building Solutions operation and it is great to be able to continue our long relationship with Sandwell MBC. Alongside the council we are working with Guinness Partnerships, Peabody and Camden Borough Council as well as delivering improvements for a range of other councils and social housing providers. Across all this work we are very keen to not just meet the contract obligations but go further and add value to local communities and really make a difference to residents. That’s why we are excited about applying our digital solutions.”
