Nottingham City Council (NCC) has started work this week to refurbish the windows in the 464 apartments above the city’s Victoria Centre.
The flats, which are home to almost 500 residents, were completed in 1972 and remain the tallest building in Nottingham to this day. They are leased to the council in an agreement that will expire in the 2060s.
The project will save over 850 metric tonnes of CO2-equivalent emissions (the equivalent of taking almost 200 cars off the road) by refurbishing the 5,000 windows in the flats rather than replacing them. This is because refurbishing existing windows is greener than manufacturing and transporting new ones, and waste is diverted from landfill. In addition, the refurbished windows will enhance the building’s thermal efficiency, reducing energy bills for residents.
Work on each flat will take a day on average, to minimise disruption for everyone who lives in the flats.
The council is currently liaising with leaseholders in the flats about having their windows refurbished.
Cllr Jay Hayes, Nottingham City Council’s Portfolio Holder for Housing, said: “The windows in the flats are ready for an overhaul, and residents are keen to see the work start. I’m delighted that we’re seeing this project getting off the ground, and I’m sure residents will be too.”
The works are being carried out by infrastructure, construction, and property services contractors United Living. Rob Moore, United Living’s Regional Director, said: “We’re delighted to be working in partnership with Nottingham City Council on this project and continuing to support the city’s efforts towards sustainable improvement and carbon reduction in its homes.
“United Living is committed to improving the environment we live in, and this project contributes to that by bringing significant benefits to residents through warmer homes and lower energy bills.”
Resident Dave Pitt, who has lived in the Victoria Centre flats for more than 25 years, said: “It’s really good news that our ageing windows are to receive attention at last. We know how difficult and expensive it would have been to replace them completely, so this refurbishment seems a sensible compromise. I hope the job goes well.”
The work is programmed to be completed in early 2026.
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