Contract overview
Mears has been awarded the Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund (SHDF) Wave 2 contract, working in partnership with Thanet District Council, for the retrofit of five high-rise buildings in Thanet, with a contract value of £42 million. The project, which spans 24 months, involves major improvements to Kennedy House, Trove Court, Staner Court, Harbour Towers, and Invicta House.
Scope of works
The retrofit programme focuses on improving energy efficiency, fire safety and living standards which includes:
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Replacement of balcony doors, windows and communal glazing to enhance insulation and safety
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Upgrading storage heaters and improving ventilation systems to increase energy efficiency and air quality
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Removal and replacement of external cladding to meet current safety standards, funded by the Building Safety Grant
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Fire safety upgrades, including new communal and flat entrance fire doors and enhanced fire-stopping measures
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Improvements to balconies and redecoration of internal communal areas
Outcomes and impact
The project focused on significantly improving building safety and energy performance while enhancing resident comfort. SHDF funding supports windows, doors and ventilation upgrades, while the Building Safety Grant funds cladding remediation. Kennedy House and Trove Court have achieved an excellent 43/45 CCS (Considerate Constructors Scheme), reflecting high standards of quality, safety and environmental management.
Mears has also donated 25 winter warmer packs to RISE. The Thanet RISE Project is a partnership between Thanet District Council, Serveco, Forward Trust, Invicta Health Care and DWP, forming a multi-agency team to work with those who are rough sleeping and most in need of support.
Resident Feedback (Harbour Towers): “I wanted to take the time to compliment the work being done at Harbour Towers. The site team has been very professional and tidy. Despite the bad weather, they’ve made great progress, and the work is being carried out with minimal disruption to the area. I’m really impressed with how hard-working and efficient the team has been given the challenges of the tight building footprint.”
