160 Bloxwich homes to receive free energy upgrade to become one of Britain’s first net-zero carbon-ready neighbourhoods
A housing estate in Bloxwich is set to become one of Britain’s first net-zero carbon-ready neighbourhoods.
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Works for the £8m scheme are set to start this spring. The scheme will improve the energy efficiency of 160 households on the Dudley Fields estate.
Social housing provider WHG, Walsall Council, and the West Midlands Combined Authority are delivering the project.
Dudley Fields was one of seven Net Zero Neighbourhoods identified for the scheme which is funded partly by the Bloxwich Town Deal, ECO4 grants, the WMCA’s Net Zero Neighbourhoods programme, and a £2.1 million investment from WHG.
Eighty-five WHG homes will be selected from the area based on their energy efficiency, including Central Drive and Coalway Road, and will each receive free upgrades including external wall insulation, solar panels, and air source heat pumps.
Up to 75 privately-owned households in the area will also be offered bespoke retrofit packages through contractor Surefire MS (SMS), with grants covering the majority of the costs.
Up to 52 local jobs will be created as part of the scheme including roles for retrofit assessors, plasterers, and green technology specialists.
25 apprenticeships and 43 training placements will be offered in partnership with Walsall College.
An Energy Hub will also be open to offering retrofit advice and demonstrating the benefits of retrofit works.
Corporate director of strategy, assets and transformation at WHG, Rob Gilham, said: “Together, we’re proving that tackling climate change and inequality go hand in hand.
“This project is a cornerstone of our commitment to creating safe, sustainable communities where people thrive.”
Deputy leader of Walsall Council, councillor Adrian Andrew, said: “It’s great to be working with WHG on this landmark initiative for Bloxwich and the borough of Walsall.
“This project will deliver warmer, more efficient homes for local people and will create jobs and opportunities, fostering pride in our communities.”
Richard Parker, mayor of the West Midlands, said: “Getting to net zero takes a community effort – all of us working together to drive down energy costs and carbon emissions.
“The UK’s transition to net zero can only be successful if we take everyone with us – cutting emissions while cutting bills for our residents.”
