Out-dated prefabs to be replaced by better homes for residents

Press release from the City of Wolverhampton Council dated Monday 27 June 2022

City of Wolverhampton Council’s multi-million-pound programme to replace its out-dated housing stock with better homes for residents is set to get underway in the coming months.

The Council confirmed in its Housing Revenue Account report in January that an Asset Management Strategy is being developed for the regeneration of its 4,100 homes built by old, non-traditional construction methods.

Following structural surveys of all the stock, the first homes identified for replacement are 93 prefabs, known as ‘Tarrans’ on the Lincoln Green estate in the Northwood Park area of Bushbury.

The overall programme is being managed on behalf of the council by Wolverhampton Homes and a consultation process has started with residents in Alleston Road, Alleston Walk, Grosvenor Road, Grosvenor Crescent, School Lane, and Wood Lane.

The prefabs, which date back to 1946, will be replaced with new modern, affordable and energy efficient housing.

All residents affected will be offered the opportunity to remain on the estate and move into one of the newly built properties as the scheme is carried out in phases.

Councillor Bhupinder Gakhal, Cabinet Member for City Assets and Housing, said:

“Surveys indicate that some council housing has now reached the end of its maintainable life.

“Despite previous refurbishment works, some homes remain difficult to heat, are not energy efficient and continue to be difficult to maintain.

“With the current rising cost of energy, it is important we also improve the energy efficiency of any poorly performing council-owned housing.

“Our priority is to deliver good homes in well-connected neighbourhoods and this huge investment programme demonstrates the council’s commitment to ensuring every resident has a safe, stable, and affordable home.

“We understand that change like this may cause concern for some of our residents but I would like to reassure them that their health and wellbeing will remain our top priority moving forward. We will ensure their housing needs are met in line with the council’s allocations policy.”