Wakefield and District Housing (WDH) has appointed Kier as their new strategic partners to improve 600 homes in the next year.

WDH has already improved more than 29,000 properties across the district to the 'Wakefield Standard', which is higher than the Government's Decent Homes Standard, since 2005.

WDH's remaining properties will be improved before the end of 2012.

The deal means that Kier will refurbish more than 600 properties across the Wakefield district in a programme of works worth up to £7 million.


Richard Parkin, WDH’s Director of Regeneration, said: "We are committed to providing homes that our tenants can be proud of, and over the last seven years we have had a positive impact on the lives of so many people across the district.

"Kier have an excellent reputation, and as our improvement programme continues I am sure they will provide the best possible service for our tenants."

Kier have already begun working in the district, and last week they completed a pilot scheme in Newstead Crescent, Fitzwilliam. The work includes many improvements such as fitting new external doors and windows, kitchens, new bathrooms and new roofs.

In addition, Kier has installed a new kitchen at a local community centre near to Newstead Crescent. This will provide valuable respite facilities for tenants, who can visit the centre while their homes are being improved.

(CD/GK)