Mrs Georgina Jay of Liverpool Road became the 500th resident to benefit from a home makeover as part of Islington's Private Finance Initiative refurbishment programme.
The PFI project, one of the first in the country, sees Partners for Improvement in Islington refurbishing and renovating 2,200 homes owned by Islington Council. The homes will all have new kitchens and bathrooms, wiring and heating systems fitted and, where necessary, roofs and exterior walls will be repaired.
Mrs Jay, who is pleased with her newly refurbished home said: "At the time of the work it was very disruptive, but it's worth it now it’s finished!"
To celebrate this milestone, Mrs Jay has been invited to nominate a local charity or community project to receive a £2,000 donation from Partners’ refurbishment contractor, United House.
Georgina has chosen the Rose Bowl which provides day care and other activities for local children across Islington, recalling the lack of things to do back when her son and his friends were growing up in the area. “The Rose Bowl is a wonderful community asset,” says Georgina. ”And I know that this generous donation will help bring a smile to many local kids.”
Since the street property refurbishment project began in 2004, most residents have been satisfied with the programme, however some issues have been raised over the works and how they have been carried out. After learning of residents’ concerns, an independent survey was commissioned in December 2004. As a result, based on the polling agency Consul’s report, changes have been made and new procedures are now in place and Homes for Islington and Islington Council have been working closely with Partners to address these issues and improve the quality of work and services.
Councillor Steve Hitchins, leader of the council said: "Through PFI we have been able to raise the money to carry out major refurbishment to thousands of homes in the borough. We have been made aware of problems and the council and Homes for Islington have been working with Partners to put new procedures in place to make sure that residents get value for money and inconvenience is kept to a minimum. We are convinced, that like Mrs Jay most residents will be happy with the improvements made to their homes."
Susan French, Managing Director of Partners said, “Partners and Homes for Islington are working hard with the refurbishment team to make sure that all residents are delighted with their new homes”.
Ann Lucas, Homes for Islington Board Chair, said: “Homes for Islington, on behalf of the council, is monitoring the work being undertaken by Partners for Improvement in Islington to ensure that council street property residents receive high quality care and service.”
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Page Last Updated: 29 July 2008