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Willmott Dixon to refurbish five Oxford tower blocks

20 Oct 15 Oxford City Council has confirmed Willmott Dixon Energy Services as contractor for a £20m refurbishment programme on five 1960s residential tower blocks.

Evenlode tower on Blackbird Leys, with Windrush in the background
Evenlode tower on Blackbird Leys, with Windrush in the background

Willmott Dixon will carry out structural repairs, install new cladding, insulation, windows and heating systems and refurbish lifts. The communal electrics and fire safety systems will also be updated as well as work car parks, fencing and front entrances. 

The five high-rise blocks are: Evenlode and Windrush in Blackbird Leys; Foresters in Wood Farm; Hockmore in Cowley; and Plowman in Northway. Collectively they house 348 flats with more than 900 residents.

Willmott Dixon Energy Services is currently working for Hull City Council, West Yorkshire Combined Authorities and the Association of Greater Manchester Authorities. This contract takes it into the south of England. Managing director Rob Lambe said: “We are delighted with this contract win. It is a new geographical area for us and builds on recent contract wins across the country. Our work to install energy efficiency improvements at these tower blocks will help residents reduce their fuel bills and live in warmer, healthier homes.”

The refurbishment is expected to extend the life of the homes for at least 30 years and enable residents to live in homes that are easier and cheaper to keep warm.  Windrush resident Sarah Campbell said: “The improvements cannot come quick enough. We often suffer from chest problems which the doctor has said is from the damp in the flat.”

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MPU
MPU

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