Building Briefs – April 20th

The Scottish Government’s Home Energy Efficiency Programme Scotland (HEEPS) loans scheme for Registered Social Landlords 2018/2019 is now open for applications.

Loans of between £30,000 and £1 million are available to housing associations and housing co-operatives to install energy savings improvements with the aim of progressing properties towards the required Energy Efficiency Standard for Social Housing (EESSH).

The loan can also be used to cover activities related to, or required in advance of, the installation of energy efficiency improvements (such as repairs to roofs in advance of the installation of loft insulation).

Applicants should ensure their installers are selected through a compliant procurement process and are Green Deal certified for the measure being installed. In the case of renewables the installer should be Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) certified and the product is MCS or Solar-Keymark certified.

Applicants should also ensure that all improvements installed comply with the relevant industry standards and are covered by appropriate guarantees. All wall insulation improvements must be covered by an appropriate OFGEM-listed guarantee.

Registered Social Landlords should ensure that work is inspected by an independent, qualified Clerk of Works. For more complex measures such as external wall insulation it is recommended that at least 50% of works are inspected and records are kept.

Loans are interest free and repayable over up to 10 years. Successful loans will be subject to an administrative fee.

Applications must be submitted by 31st July 2018 and will be reviewed on a first come, first served basis subject to available funding. Successful applicants must complete work and claim their funds by 28th February 2019.

Download the application form and property details spreadsheet to apply.

Work begins to enhance homes on Glasgow’s London Road

Work is now underway to improve housing 173 family homes on London Road in Glasgow, which will enhance the quality of life for tenants.

Thenue Housing Association has appointed the Regeneration division of ENGIE (formerly Keepmoat Regeneration) to deliver £1.6 million worth of improvement works, while introducing new security measures to safeguard residents.

The work is being funded by the Scottish Government and Glasgow City Council, with contributions from residents.

Each household will benefit from a warmer home and reduced utility bills due to the installation of external wall insulation; as well as renewed guttering, pipes and roof repairs. Common areas will benefit from thoughtful upgrades while home security will be further enhanced by upgrades to screens, windows and doors, new external lighting, and new controlled door entry systems.

Residents will not be required to leave their homes, with ENGIE confirming, the work will be completed with residents in situ. The company has also revealed a dedicated resident liaison team will be on-hand throughout the duration of the project, to answer any concerns or queries; while keeping households up to date on progress.

Work is currently underway on London Road and it is expected to complete in early 2019.

A82 Leven Bridge waterproofing works

Additional waterproofing works will be carried on the A82 Leven Bridge under a full closure of the A82 Northbound and Southbound carriageways between the Stoneymollan and Lomondgate roundabouts.

The closures will be between 8pm and 6am on Friday 20th April, Monday 23rd April and Tuesday 24th April.

New chief executive appointed at Falkirk Council

Falkirk Council has appointed current Midlothian Council chief executive Kenneth Lawrie as its own chief executive.

Mr Lawrie will take up his new role from the start of August 2018 following the retirement of current chief executive Mary Pitcaithly OBE in June 2018.

Since joining local government in 1994, Kenneth Lawrie has held various positions at Dartford Borough Council and Scottish Borders Council, taking up the position at Midlothian in September 2009.

Good causes could win share of £250k prize fund

Community groups in Scotland can now apply for a share of £250,000, available through Jewson Building Better Communities.

Through the competition, good causes can apply for funding for building materials to improve their facilities: whether it’s a new roof for a village hall or revamping changing rooms at a sports club.

Now in its fourth year, the Building Better Communities initiative will award one community project up to £50,000, as well as many smaller prizes to other projects.

As well as supporting local community groups, Jewson will give away £100,000 of the overall prize fund to heroes of the building trade. These heroes are unsung tradespeople who go above and beyond in their local area or builders who have always supported others but now find themselves in need.

Entrants have until May 9 to submit their application. After a shortlisting process and a public vote, the winning projects will be announced on 3rd July at a ceremony hosted by celebrity architect, George Clarke.

Scotland community groups and tradespeople can submit their entry via www.buildingbettercommunities.co.uk.