Wolverhampton Homes, which manages more than 21,000 homes on behalf of the City of Wolverhampton Council, has won a national award for 'Neighbourhood Transformation' for its work on the Heath Town regeneration project.

The UK Housing Awards, organised by the Chartered Institute of Housing and Inside Housing magazine, recognises achievement in the social housing sector, showcasing projects and initiatives which are enhancing service delivery for customers.
 
The Heath Town regeneration programme is a £120 million project to enhance the lives of more than 2500 residents. Wolverhampton Homes has worked in partnership with the City of Wolverhampton Council to remove above ground walkways and enhance homes, communal areas and the external environment. 
 
Residents have benefitted from new energy efficient cladding, enhanced fire safety measures including sprinklers, CCTV and improved lighting in communal areas, and full fibre connectivity to every home. The project has reduced the average time to let, and improved occupancy rates. Additionally, customers have seen lower energy bills and reported improved feelings of safety and community cohesion.
 
Commenting on the success, Shaun Aldis, Chief Executive of Wolverhampton Homes, said: "The ongoing transformation of Heath Town is a major boost to the city and to residents in the area. Throughout the project customers have engaged with us, shared their views and helped us to understand the improvements we could make that would benefit them, and their enjoyment of their homes, the most. 
 
This is all about delivering a sustainable project that meets the needs of residents and enhances the entire estate. It has been a true partnership effort and its success is largely down to the support of the Tenant and Resident Association and local groups and organisations like Hope Community. This award is an outcome of the strong partnership approach we adopt here in the city so I consider this an award we have won together."
  
Councillor Bhupinder Gakhal, Cabinet Member for City Assets and Housing, said: "One of our key priorities is to create more decent and affordable homes within our city. This project is instrumental to achieving our aim, with the construction of more than 40 new houses underway and widescale improvements to existing homes which make Heath Town a safer, warmer and more attractive place to live.
 
I'm pleased that the city has been recognised with this award, and that the sector is taking the opportunity to share best practice which will drive up standards for residents." 
 
This award comes shortly after the project was recognised by the National Building and Construction Awards, with a silver award for Project of the Year in November 2022.
 
Wolverhampton Homes is delivering the project with contractor United Living Group as part of a Strategic Construction Partnership which has created more than 200 jobs and training opportunities for local people and launched a number of initiatives to develop social value for communities in Wolverhampton.