Last Updated on: 24th February 2024, 03:59 am
Richard Worrell, a resident of an apartment block in one of England’s most deprived areas, shares his experiences in a compelling short film. He describes life in “the ice blocks” before and after an ambitious £7.9 million community rejuvenation initiative.
The project has upgraded over a thousand dwellings across 21 high-rise buildings in Walsall’s housing estates with state-of-the-art energy-saving features. These improvements have not only enhanced living standards but also made heating more affordable for the occupants.
Watmos Community Homes, in partnership with Soltherm and Surefire Management Services, has obtained significant funding from the Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund (SHDF), with a notable £7.9 million allocated to this project, marking the largest investment of its kind.
Richard provides a personal narrative on how this funding has improved the lives of the community’s vulnerable members. “I was involved with the estate, more than 20 years ago. And I worked with residents, and we used to call these places ‘the ice blocks.’ So that says it all really, doesn’t it?”
The film highlights the transformative effects of the project on the community.
“You noticed the difference instantly once the thermal cladding was in place, it just made it so noticeably more comfortable. It just makes this place so much nicer to live in.” Richard Worrell – Resident
This documentary is a testament to the transition from inhospitable abodes to cosy, vibrant homes that bring warmth, comfort, and well-being to the energy-poor residents of Walsall. The Watmos Regeneration Project can be viewed on Soltherm’s official website.
