Plans to create a green retrofit revolution in St Ives by improving energy efficiency in 200 social housing properties have taken a big step forward this week.
The multi-million-pound LiveWest Low-Carbon Retrofit project is the last of nine St Ives Town Deal projects to have its contract signed. The project has been awarded £866,800 from the government’s Town Deal programme.
St Ives is the first area in Cornwall to have such a large-scale whole-house retrofit programme. The scheme will make properties warmer, and cheaper to live in.
“We are delighted that the funding agreement has been signed,” said town deal chair, Andrew Baragwanath. “This will enable LiveWest to build on the work which has already taken place to deliver their plans to improve the energy efficiency of these properties.”
The largest social landlord in the South West, LiveWest owns more than 40,000 properties and supports around 80,000 customers from Bristol down to West Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.
Energy efficiency works include improving insulation, providing new windows and doors, installing solar panels, and upgrading heating and hot water systems to improve the thermal efficiency of the buildings, and reduce drafts, heat loss, and the reliance on carbon-based heating systems.
The project team will also be working with residents to integrate sustainable transport and waste and recycling improvements into estates in the town, and to help to develop local green skills and employment opportunities.
