Tristar Homes has boosted a neighbourhood after carrying out significant improvement work to properties and communal courtyards on the Tilery Estate in Stockton.
In total, 242 properties have benefited from improvements to make them more energy efficient, more cost effective for residents and to enhance the appearance of the estate.
The project included new UPVC windows and external doors, porch refurbishments, external wall insulation, external lights and other work aimed at decreasing heating bills and reducing CO2 emissions.
As part of its commitment to improve the environment and green spaces, Tristar Homes, part of the Thirteen Group, has also enhanced the security of a number of communal areas and made them more attractive for residents to use.
Resident-only access, seating and play areas, planting and raised beds with trees and shrubs and art installations have all contributed to the design, which was developed by Groundwork NE in consultation with local people.
Pupils from Tilery Road Primary School and North Shore Academy got crafty to help create mosaic artworks for each courtyard and vehicular and pedestrian gates have been installed to increase security and enable children to play safely.
Alex Cunningham MP and Russell Thompson, Thirteen Group’s director of property services, carried out the official opening and residents had the opportunity to tour the courtyards to see the completed work.
Guests also included representatives from Stockton Borough Council, Groundwork NE, which worked on the scheme alongside other contractors, Cleveland Police and Fire Brigade and the artist responsible for artwork in the courtyards.
Russell Thompson, Thirteen Group’s director of property services, said: “As a responsible and forward-thinking landlord, Tristar Homes is committed to improving our homes and the communities and the lives of the people who live in the neighbourhoods, and this scheme is a prime example of that commitment in action.
“We have had very positive feedback from residents to the improvements made to the properties, including increased sunlight, the style of the new windows and residents have also reported that they feel safe and warmer in their homes.
“Working with a range of partners including Groundwork NE and local school children has been very rewarding and the reaction from residents to the new courtyards has also been very positive.”
Groundwork Landscape Architect Liz Allen explained that “a successful scheme demands team effort and the high quality improvements seen here are a result of many months of work to design, consult, seek approvals and construct. It involved close partnership working with the Thirteen staff, the contractor Brambledown Landscapes, the artists Kay Aplin and Stockton Borough Council. It is a rewarding experience to see a concept design come to fruition and especially where residents are so appreciative of the end result.”