Hull-based construction company Hobson & Porter has completed work on the energy efficiency-led refurbishment of a sheltered and supported living development in Hornsea, transforming a 1970s building into 14 modern one-bedroom apartments.
Meregarth, which is owned by East Riding of Yorkshire Council, has been comprehensively refurbished, procured via the YORBuild 3 Medium Works framework, to provide comfortable and efficient homes that meet East Riding’s need for suitable sheltered and supported housing, whilst significantly reducing energy costs for residents.
The two-storey building was originally built in the 1970s and previously comprised 14 bedsits, five one-bedroom flats and one maisonette.
The energy-efficient design incorporates thermal upgrades to the building, helping to reduce heat loss and energy costs. The refurbishment also includes a high level of sound insulation between the apartments, robust and modern internal finishes, as well as compliance with all current building regulations. Residents also benefit from superfast fibre optic broadband and newly landscaped external spaces.
Councillor Michael Lee, East Riding of Yorkshire Council Cabinet Member for Housing and Infrastructure said: “We’re proud to invest in our housing stock, and the refurbishment of Meregarth will play a key role in providing modern apartments that are best suited to the needs of residents.”
Richard Hunter, managing director of Hobson & Porter, said: “Meregarth had become an outdated building that required a major overhaul to bring it up to current standards and make better use of the space.
“The project involved upgrading almost every part of the existing building, whilst introducing measures to make the homes much more comfortable and energy-efficient. The completed development now combines the latest infrastructure and technology with high-quality accommodation, ensuring Meregarth will continue to be a popular place to live that is genuinely future-proofed.”
Hobson & Porter has also recently started work on a similar refurbishment programme at another East Riding of Yorkshire Council-owned sheltered and supported living development in Hornsea. The two projects were awarded as a single contract to run sequentially to maximise economies of scale and continuity of labour between the two buildings as well as easing occupancy.
Pybus Court was built in the 1980s and previously comprised 12 bedsits, three one-bedroom flats and three maisonettes. When the work is completed, it will provide 11 one-bedroom flats and two two-bedroom flats, creating further modern sheltered and supported housing in the town.
The two projects form part of a programme of investment in East Riding’s sheltered and supported living accommodation, improving existing buildings to provide energy-efficient homes that are fit for the future.