A project to install sprinklers and ground source heat to 364 flats in tower blocks on the north side of the River Wear has launched
The project is thought to be the largest gas replacement in high rise tower blocks in the UK.
The Core 364 project is being delivered by Engie, as part of a £9m investment in the tower blocks on the north side of the River Wear.
Residents in the seven blocks are set to benefit from energy bill savings as a result of the ground source heat.
The move, which aims to maximise the fire safety of these seven tower blocks, comes as part of Gentoo’s announcement that outlined a new £300m investment in our existing 29,000 homes.
The modernisation work will also upgrade the fire alarm and smoke detection systems in each of the blocks, as well as the installation of a state of the art sprinkler system which will take the number of our tower blocks with sprinklers to eight.
Gentoo group’s chief executive officer, Nigel Wilson, said: “Gentoo is committed to providing safe and affordable housing for its tenants and I’m delighted to welcome the start of this important work, delivering real savings for our tenants and generating renewable heat for their homes.”
Sunderland City Council Leader, councillor Graeme Miller, said: “Gentoo has a multi-million pound investment programme underway across Sunderland and these safety upgrades are going to be welcomed by tenants, alongside greener and cleaner energy with lower bills. This is good housing practice at work with investments in safer and greener properties.”
Andrew McIntosh, regional managing director at ENGIE, added: “We have a great partnership with Gentoo and are delighted to help bring this innovative and energy-efficient solution to all residents involved in this project.
“Our expertise in wide-scale regeneration and energy projects will ensure this project is delivered effectively, providing North Tower residents with a modern heating system and enhanced fire safety features.”
