Social housing contractor and developer United House has been appointed by Watford Community Housing Trust to carry out a £4 million contract to refurbish the six blocks on the Meriden estate in Watford.

United House, which is at the forefront of tower block refurbishment, will begin work immediately on the two high rise and four low rise blocks, due for completion in September

2012.

Residents at the high rise blocks, Abbey View and Munden View, will benefit from upgraded communal areas and window seal modifications. New kitchens and bathrooms will also be offered and ventilation, hot water and heating systems will be altered. The four low rise blocks will receive new heating and hot water systems.


United House will demolish some old garage blocks on the estate in order to construct its site office. There will be a relaxation area at United House’s base for residents from all the blocks to use for the duration of the project. On completion of the work the area will be re-surfaced and marked with parking bays.

United House was selected by a panel of residents from the Meriden estate and the Trust's Gateway Committee. The panel were impressed with the company's extensive experience of tower block refurbishment carried out on similar sites across London and the South East with limited disruption to residents.

Jeffrey Adams, Group Chief Executive of United House, said: "Our appointment by Watford Community Housing Trust further cements United House as an industry leader in tower block refurbishment. Being appointed by a panel of judges reflects our excellent reputation in carrying out refurbishment works with limited interference to residents."

(CD/GK)