Member Article

Resident?s Praise Tristar?s Promise Delivery

The significant progress being made by an investment programme committed to improving local homes and communities has been revealed by Tristar Homes.

Residents of bungalows in Redcar Road in Thornaby, where more than £400,000 has been spent on 21 bungalows, are delighted following the revitalisation of their homes as part of investment works carried out by the social housing provider.

Properties have been given a new lease of life after they were rejuvenated with remodelled bathrooms, kitchens and new central heating systems.

External works were also undertaken including the replacement of soffits, fascias and guttering along with pointing to ridges and brickwork, and the removal of concrete planters.

All the above work was carried out by the Apollo Group, part of the Keepmoat Group.

Many more home and neighbourhood improvements are scheduled throughout the boroughs of Stockton and Hartlepool, with £95 million due to be invested during the next three years.

This follows the successful transfer of homes from Stockton Borough Council to Tristar in December 2010.

Cath Purdy, Group Chief Executive of the Vela Group, which comprises of Tristar Homes and Housing Hartlepool, said: “We are right on track to deliver all the promises that were made to customers in the run-up to the transfer of their homes to Tristar.

“We are delighted with the huge impact that investing in our homes and communities has had and we will continue to focus on the priorities of our customers.”

As part of the investment programme, residents are consulted at various stages on what improvements they would like to see across homes and neighbourhoods.

Patricia Large, of Redcar Road, had her bungalow chosen as a pilot scheme after she suggested having the rear of the properties remodelled to provide extra space without the need for an extension.

The refurbishment involved changing the layout of the bathroom, kitchen and small toilet area. It proved to be such a success that it was replicated across all of the properties.

Tristar has worked with their investment partner, the Keepmoat Group, throughout the scheme to upgrade the Redcar Road properties.

Mrs Large, who has lived in her home for 15 years said: “Tristar were keen to listen to me and my neighbours to find out exactly what we wanted from the improvements.”

“Thanks to Tristar and Keepmoat, I am now living in my dream home. The kitchen and bathroom have been transformed beyond recognition – not only are they spacious but they are also kitted out with modern, high quality fixture and fittings.”

The investment news comes as it was also announced that tenants have given the services provided by Tristar Homes an overwhelming seal of approval following an independent survey carried out by BMG Research.

• 86 percent of tenants have said they are happy with the overall service provided by Tristar; and 84 percent are satisfied with the quality of their home.
• In addition 94 percent commended the attitude of Tristar’s repairs and maintenance employees, and 84 per cent believe Tristar is good at keeping them informed.

Cath Purdy added: “Our employees work tremendously hard on behalf of our tenants and their neighbourhoods. This independent evaluation, which shows how highly our staff and services are regarded, is a reflection of their dedication and commitment.

“Continual improvement is central to Tristar’s service delivery, and the feedback from this survey will help us to deliver excellent customer services.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Recognition PR Business Team .