Check out the latest news from across Heath Town, brought to you by Wolverhampton Homes, the council, and our construction partners.
In this edition:
- Amie Koner, Tenancy Officer, offers support and guidance around fire safety
- we tell you more about the improvements you can expect to see this year
- the council shares updates on their building sites across the estate
- we promote opportunities to have your say on community rooms
- we highlight volunteer opportunities with Read Easy and much more
Do you have something to share with your fellow residents? If so, get in touch with Evelyn Brown, Community Development Officer.
Amie Koner, Tenancy Officer at Wolverhampton Homes
“I hope you're keeping well. We have lots of exciting plans for 2022 and we look forward to sharing them with you in this quarterly newsletter.
“Your safety is most important to us, and it’s vital that you do everything you can to keep you and your families safe. In January, there was a fire in the kitchen of one of our tower blocks across the city - working fire alarms and sprinklers saved their life. Make sure to know your escape plan, watch what you ‘heat’, test your fire alarms weekly and keep emergency exits including balconies clear. If you need any guidance, please get in touch.”
A message from us at Wolverhampton Homes and United Living
Working together, Wolverhampton Homes and United Living oversee the building work. Therefore, in this edition, we wanted to give you a joint update.
Scaffolding at Brockfield House
- We’ve started the scaffolding around Brockfield House. The scaffolding will allow United Living to start the external wrapping, which is what adds the pop of colour to the outside as well as improving heat efficiency. Once this is finished, we will improve the inside communal areas of the block.
- After we’ve finished the scaffolding at Brockfield House, we will start scaffolding Campion House which will be around Springtime.
Join us for a coffee morning
Every month we will be hosting a coffee morning, inviting tenants to come and have a chat with us over a coffee, or tea! It’s an opportunity to catch up on current works and raise any concerns. You can also tell us what we are doing well at and could do more of. The coffee mornings will take place in the tower block that the work is being done to. Posters will be put up in the relevant communal areas of the blocks with more details.
Goal for the Spring 🌻
Our focus until Spring is to complete all deck access blocks. They look great already as the outside of the block is finished, we are now completing the external wrap to some of the stairways near Clover Ley and Chervil Rise.
Ling House car park is open!
The car park opposite Ling House is now open. Thank you for the cooperation as we continue to improve Heath Town.
Safety alert!
When using the lifts, always keep your hands clear of the doors, especially if you're with children. They are crushing hazards when the doors are opening and closing.
Caroline Wollaston-Stokes, Contracts Manager at Wolverhampton Homes
“There’s lots of exciting plans for the estate in 2022, as we continue our journey of refurbishing both the low and high-rise blocks. We are also seeking out new ways to add to the community. We will share future activities and plans in upcoming newsletters, as we work together so Heath Town is a great place to be.
“I hope to see you at one of the coffee mornings. We value your feedback and suggestions.”
Updates from the City of Wolverhampton Council
Here’s an update on each of the building sites since our last edition.
Site One on Hobgate Road
The contractor, Engie, is continuing the building work and has been making good progress on this site where there will be 18 new council homes. House foundations are complete, and Engie are working on the structure of the new homes. The Phase One programme, which include these current sites, has been delayed but handover of the first new council homes is expected in March 2023.
Site Two on Hobgate Road
A new temporary car park will shortly be opening at the back of 1-73 Hobgate Road and next to the Boiler House. Residents currently parking on Site Two, which was a temporary car park on Hobgate Road, are asked to move as homes need to start being built on it. Thank you for your cooperation.
Site Three on Hobgate Road
Building work will begin here at the same time as Engie starts work on Site Two.
Site Six on Tithe Croft
We’ve seen lots of progress on this site where foundations for the new homes are now complete. Engie have moved on to building the structure of the homes. Some of the trees just outside of this area were removed for the works, as they were too close to the new build boundary. They have been replanted very close to the area where the old ones were taken down.
New temporary car park opening
Residents living near the temporary car park on Site Two, Hobgate Road, will have been notified of its closure. Engie are onsite constructing a new temporary car park at the back of 1-73 Hobgate Road and next to the Boiler House. This should be ready for use on Monday 7 March. Thank you for your patience as we improve the estate.
Next phase of housing development
Details for the next phase of the housing development project are being discussed and its hoped they will be finalised by late summer 2022, with a view to appointing a contractor to do the building work by the end of the year. We will keep you updated in future newsletters.
If you have any questions, please contact Lucy Hill or Sangita Kular.
Community News
New community space - have your say!
Wolverhampton Homes is looking to provide a new community space for Tenants and Residents Association meetings to take place and for communities to enjoy. We are currently looking at proposals to move the Heath Town Tenants and Residents meetings from Red Oak House lounge to a new location.
Have your say! There will be a consultation on Thursday 3 March from 10am until 3pm, and 5pm until 7pm at Red Oak House lounge. The team will showcase the proposed venue, located near Chervil Rise, and you can cast your vote before any decision is made.
Volunteers needed for Read Easy
Read Easy needs you! They are looking for volunteers to support the education of adults to read. If you have a flair for fostering strong and supportive relationships, you might be a perfect fit for the role of coordinator, who oversees those coaching and learning to read. There are also reading coach roles available.
Full training will be given with support from a friendly management team. Most importantly, you’ll be making a real difference. For more information, please contact Jayne Price.
Fancy a new ‘check’mate?
Are you interested in playing chess? Or would like to learn? Join the new community led chess club. All are welcome. Please e-mail Robert Lea from the Heath Town Tenants and Residents Association.
Don't miss out!
Wolves at Work are looking for feedback from young people in the city about the type of support needed with employment and training. Complete this 5-minute survey and help to shape their service so it works for you. There are also two events coming up where you can meet Wolverhampton Homes and other employers about opportunities, and get tailored support to help you. Spread the word!
- Thursday 3 March – Low Hill Community Centre, 11am to 2pm
- Wednesday 9 March - The Way Youth Zone, 11am to 2pm
Giving something back 🎅
Wolverhampton Homes colleagues supported the Hope Community Centre in the run up to Christmas. They helped to prepare, pack and deliver over 100 festive food parcels.
Our Neighbourhoods team also helped the council deliver over 1,000 food parcels to families where children usually get free school meals, to ensure they didn't miss out.
Other news updates:
- Many of us are feeling the pinch with our finances. If you need confidential money advice, contact the Money Smart team today.
- Do you need advice on saving energy at home? Contact the Energy Wise team for guidance.
- Aged 18-24? Looking for employment? Wolves at Work 18-24 is a ‘one stop shop’ to support you into work. Visit wolvesatwork18-24.com, email or call 01902 550012.