Forest Gate PFI - Latest
Newham PFI project hits the halfway mark
An east London housing regeneration project led by Swan Housing Group has hit the halfway mark with 500 homes brought up to a decent standard so far.
The Forest Gate PFI project between Swan, the London Borough of Newham and contractor Higgins, is a 20-year, £150 million scheme to improve 1,000 properties in the Forest Gate area.
Swan and Higgins have been working to improve homes in Forest Gate since February 2009.
An event to mark the 500th home milestone was held at a Forest Gate home that recently benefited from refurbishments which included a new kitchen and bathroom, a new boiler and electrical re-wiring works.
Forest Gate South ward councillor, Winston Vaughan, spoke to tenants about the improvements including Stella Damm, chair of the Chatsworth Estate Tenants Residents Association at the Gate in Woodgrange Road.
He said: “The tenants appreciate the work that’s been done and are happy with the relationship with Swan, who is addressing any issues that they have.”
As part of the contract, Swan has been tasked with ensuring that the area’s 900 rented homes and 400 leasehold homes meet the Decent Homes Standard. Newham Council remains the landlord, owning the properties and setting rent prices.