Refurbished apartments to welcome returning tenants

40 apartments have been updated significantly to make them considerably more comfortable, safer and more affordable to run. While this major work was underway, tenants were moved to alternative accommodation.

A number of former residents have chosen to return to these upgraded homes when the final touches are complete. In line with local lettings policy, other tenants will be local people, including those moving to smaller homes – known as rightsizing which frees larger homes for bigger households. The tenants will be moving in the coming few months.

The homes on Huntington Road, Bell Farm Avenue and Middleham Avenue have had new kitchens and bathrooms added along with a compete rewire, replumbing and decoration.

They had old extensions added to the back at a time when asbestos was approved for fire safety. These extensions have now been demolished and rebuilt to be larger. What were once bedsits are now spacious one-bedroomed apartments.

Damp in the old apartments has been eliminated. This is due to work including improved ventilation and insulation.

New, more energy-efficient heating systems have been installed. These  low-energy air source heat pumps have been paired with new insulation in the lofts, underneath the ground floors, in the wall cavities and externally on gable walls.

The shared rear gardens have been made more pleasant and accessible to encourage residents to enjoy gardening and meeting there. They’ve been levelled with new topsoil, and grass seed will be sown this spring. New timber garden sheds have been added along with new bike stands for cyclists.

Cllr Pavlovic

Cllr Michael Pavlovic, Executive Member for Housing at City of York Council, said: “This refurbishment has been complex and thorough and has raised 40 homes to a significantly higher standard than they were before. I’m not surprised that former tenants have taken up their right to return to them and enjoy their many benefits.

“Tenants will find the apartments easier and cheaper to keep warm, roomier and offering more versatile and healthier living space.”