Wolverhampton's Hickman High-Rise scoops regeneration award

The Hickman High-Rise project turned two dilapidated 1960s blocks of flats into desirable places to live, cutting local crime rates and creating hundreds of jobs over the lifetime of the scheme.

Over five years £12 million was pumped into the 19-storey Wodensfield Tower and William Bentley Court in Wednesfield as part of the Decent Homes programme.

Housing refurbishment specialist United Living has just scooped the award for Preservation & Rejuvenation at the Celebrating Construction Awards 2017 for its work on the Wolverhampton project.

The Celebrating Construction Awards aim to highlight the very best and innovative construction projects in the UK. Judges at the awards ceremony said the Hickman High-Rise was "an impressive rejuvenation story that has demonstrated how inner city tower blocks can be successfully refurbished and rejuvenated".

Working with Wolverhampton Homes and Wolverhampton city council on the two Hickman tower blocks, United Living transformed the properties into new homes which have achieved 100 per cent tenancy rates.

In contrast, in January 2013 vacancies at Hickman High-Rise peaked when 40 per cent of the properties were empty across the two blocks.

With a combination of low tenancy rates and building maintenance problems the option of demolition was originally considered but there was not enough available land to build the 228 one and two-bedroom replacement homes that would have been needed.

The regeneration work by United Living has helped towards meeting some of the housing demand within Wolverhampton, while enabling existing tenants to maintain their community within a happier, safer and healthier environment. The project employed a total of 746 people and has left a lasting legacy of skilled local professionals.

Some of the improvements made include the installation of 24/7 CCTV surveillance which has reduced crime rates and left residents feeling safer in their homes. The towers have also been redeveloped to be much more pleasing to the eye for both for residents and those who live in the surrounding community.

United Living made major upgrades to the properties' bathrooms and showers. Residents have also benefited from improved landscaping and parking areas as well as pigeon prevention systems which allow them to enjoy clean balconies.

Gordon Reynolds, a tenant at Wodensfield Tower, said: “The estate was becoming run down and looked drab and unattractive, the lifts were unreliable and we had problems with youths and anti-social behaviour. Now my flat and the blocks are far warmer, lifts are reliable, security has improved and the estate looks cleaner and much more presentable.”

Richard Baker, unit director at United Living said: “This is a terrific award and recognition to the site team and Wolverhampton Homes for all the investment and thought that went into delivering such a successful project. The end result has contributed so much on so many levels to the local community. Well done to all involved."

Steve North, commercial and development manager at Wolverhampton Homes said: “The scheme has been a challenge but thanks to the fully committed team on site and the support of the tenants we have a project that we can be very proud of and place where people want to live. The transformation of the tower blocks has been amazing.”