Esh Construction has commenced home improvement works on properties across Sunderland following Gentoo’s launch of its ‘Gentogether’ partnership earlier this year.
Through the internal modernisation framework, Esh’s affordable housing division was one of three regional firms appointed to the £170 million contract, alongside PHS Solutions and RE:GEN Group.
While thousands of homes across Sunderland will undergo refurbishment over the next 10 years, 750 homes are set to benefit from the installation of new bathrooms, kitchens and full electrical rewire work in the first year of the contract.
Andrew Harrow, Framework Manager at Esh Construction said: “We’re proud to now be on site delivering this transformative home modernisation programme for Gentoo. The start of work across Sunderland is an exciting milestone in a 10-year investment that will bring long-term improvements to homes in the city and the wider Wearside area.
“Having been appointed to deliver these essential upgrades, we are fully focused on providing high-quality, resident-focused improvements that raise living standards and support thriving communities.”
Esh is set to deliver work on more than 300 homes across South Sunderland, with the other two Gentogether partners working on a further 490 homes across Houghton and Hetton, Sunderland city centre and Washington.
Peter Akers, Director of Asset and Sustainability at Gentoo said: “I’m delighted to announce work has now begun to modernise hundreds of our customers’ homes across Sunderland. The start of this programme also marks the beginning of our Gentogether partnership, working together with our partners to not only deliver high quality improvement work, but also deliver high quality customer service alongside trusted partners who share our customer focused values.”
Before work began, Gentoo colleagues, alongside the Gentogether partners, held a number of customer engagement events, inviting customers along to ask any questions about the work taking place in their home and to see colour samples. As part of the work, customers were able to choose their own colours and designs for kitchen worktops, flooring and bathroom wall boards.
Mr Fox, a Gentoo customer from Thorney Close attended his local engagement event with Esh. He said: “I think it’s brilliant Gentoo and contractors are hosting these events. I’ve felt involved from the start and really pleased to be able to choose my own colours for the kitchen. I’m really excited for the work to be done.”
We’re proud to now be on site delivering this transformative home modernisation programme for Gentoo. The start of work across Sunderland is an exciting milestone in a 10-year investment that will bring long-term improvements to homes in the city and the wider Wearside area.
“Having been appointed to deliver these essential upgrades, we are fully focused on providing high-quality, resident-focused improvements that raise living standards and support thriving communities.”