Westminster homes cheaper to run after Major Works retrofit programme

Residents in a West London block will benefit from more energy-efficient homes as part of L&Q’s Major Works Investment Programme (MWIP). 

The works at Steve Biko Court in Westminster, which were funded through the Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund (SHDF), focused on retrofitting the building as well as modernising it, to transform the outside. 

As a result, residents there will save, on average, £337 a year on their bills. 

The updates have improved the 23 homes to an EPC C rating, as part of L&Q’s commitment to ensure all L&Q homes are at this standard by 2028. 

L&Q’s MWIP partners, Morgan Sindall Property Services, replaced 243 single-glazed timber sash windows with modern, double-glazed PVC sliding windows. They also installed insulation to the outside walls to keep the heat in and the cold out, replaced the flat roof and updated the pitched roof.  

Residents have said the refreshed look at Steve Biko Court, including white render all over, has had a positive impact on the neighbourhood too, and that the insulation has made their homes quieter.

As part of the works, which took around five months, Morgan Sindall Property Services also carried out significant improvements in the communal areas, including new flooring and full redecoration throughout. 

L&Q's MWIP is the largest in the industry, with £3bn being invested over 15 years to improve the safety, comfort and environmental performance of homes. 

The housing association has committed to minimising its environmental impact, aiming to become a net zero-carbon business by 2050. 

Mark Newstead, Director of Major Programmes at L&Q, said: “The works carried out at Steve Biko Court showcases our ongoing commitment to quality and excellence through our Major Works Investment Programme. 

“The transformation looks fantastic, but even more significantly, residents’ homes will now be more energy efficient, keeping their costs down. To be able to quantify the savings we’re helping residents to make is fantastic, and we’re pleased residents there are enjoying the benefits.” 

Mike Hackett, Partnerships Director at Morgan Sindall Property Services, said: "The completion of this project at Steve Biko Court shows the real difference investment and collaboration can make.  

“By combining our expertise with L&Q's commitment to improving homes, we've been able to deliver upgrades that not only raise energy performance but also directly improve resident's day-to-day comfort. It's a project that demonstrates how working together can achieve lasting benefits for residents and the wider community."