The Colne Housing Society has chosen Lovell to carry out a £4.4 million extensive refurbishment scheme to 83 former Ministry of Defence homes in Colchester.

The ex-Army homes are being transformed into modern accommodation so that they can be offered for affordable rent to local families through Colchester Borough Council’s choice-based lettings scheme.

The refurbishment work to the two-, three- and four-bedroom houses is being led by Iceni Homes, Colne Housing's development arm.

Lovell will start work on the year-long major modernisation programme in November 2009. The improvements will include the installation of new kitchens, bathrooms and central heating systems as well as plumbing and electrical work. The homes will be re-roofed and extensions will be built at 78 of the properties. Homes will also be made warmer and more energy-efficient through the application of an insulated render system to external walls and the introduction of new loft insulation, energy-efficient boilers and new windows.

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Steve Heywood, Regional Director for Iceni Homes, said: "Oakapple Close is a unique project for Iceni Homes and is one of the largest we have ever undertaken. As the development dompany for Colne Housing we are committed to providing excellent quality homes at affordable rents and this scheme will mean many more people will be able to live in the heart of Colchester. We are also pleased to be working with Lovell as our contractors and together look forward to delivering these newly refurbished homes."

(CD/BMcC)