Refurbishment and retrofit programme for your building
Tenant and Leaseholder Services will be overseeing a programme of refurbishment and retrofitting for five of its residential tower blocks – Harbour Towers, Trove Court, Kennedy House, Staner Court and Invicta House. Regular updates will be available on this page and on the notice boards in each building.
We will hold regular events to give you the opportunity to talk to us and our partner contractors.
Retrofitting is a word that describes the modification of the systems or structure of a building after it has been built.
We are retrofitting your building, to improve the energy efficiency of your home.
The works will include replacing:
- Balcony doors and windows
- Roof insulation
- Communal windows
- Storage heaters
Refurbishment work will also be carried out to improve building safety and decoration.
This includes:
- Replacing the external wall insulation (cladding)
- Replacing your flat front door
- Upgrading your balcony surrounds
- Replacing internal communal fire doors and main entrance doors
- Redecorating internal communal areas
Refurbishment and retrofit design consultation result
In October 2023 we asked residents and the local community to choose the design for the outside of the buildings. There were three designs to choose from, with colour schemes for the external wall insulation, windows, balconies and entrance. We asked for feedback at a consultation event on and through an online survey.
The winning design for each building:
Harbour Towers
Option C – Light grey window frames, Blue balcony railings and entrance feature colour. Off white building render.
Staner Court
Option A – Champagne window frames, balcony railings and champagne entrance feature colour. Cream building render.
Trove Court and Kennedy House
Option C – Light grey window frames. Kennedy House – pacific blue balconies and entrance feature colour. Trove Court – marine green balconies and entrance feature colour. Off white building render for both.
Invicta House
Option A – Champagne window frames, balcony railings and champagne entrance feature colour. Cream building render.
PermalinkWill solar panels be fitted?
No. Unfortunately we do not have enough space on the roof for solar panels.
Will parking be improved?
Parking improvement is not part of this refurbishment and retrofit project.
Will I get a new kitchen and bathroom?
Kitchens and bathrooms are not included in this refurbishment programme. Please report any repairs needed to Mears on 0800 023 4320.
My storage heater has been replaced recently, will this be replaced again?
No, we will only replace storage heaters which are not working efficiently.
Will we have to move out of the block while the work is going on?
No, our contractors will do everything they can to keep disruption to a minimum. You will be able to stay in your home while the improvements are being carried out.
What if I don’t want changes to my home?
If you are nervous about letting us or our contractors into your home, we will speak to you about what services can help make you feel more comfortable.
Will the contractors make a mess in my home?
Building works are messy and there will be dust and debris while a contractor is working in your home. We expect our contractors to be respectful, and keep any mess to a minimum. We will check that they are tidying up after themselves when they are finished. If you are not happy with the contractor you can talk to your Resident Liaison Officer.
Who do I contact if there is a problem?
If you have any questions or concerns, you can get in touch with Rachel Collins and Louise Cambray, your Resident Liaison Officers. You can email them on TBRefurb@thanet.gov.uk or call 01843 577292.
PermalinkWe are preparing to start the work. This includes doing energy efficiency assessments of all homes, and deciding which refurbishment and retrofit works are needed for each home.
We are working on the following:
| Activity | Purpose | Timeframe |
| Carrying out home energy assessments | To work out the current energy efficiency rating (EPC). This will inform the programme of works necessary to bring homes up to a minimum C rating. | March to December 2023 |
| Holding information and consultation events | To provide you with information and answer questions about the programme. | Tuesday 23 and Wednesday 24 May 2023 |
| Leaseholder Section 20 Consultation, Notice of Intention. | To give leaseholders their legal right to share their observations on the proposed improvements with us. | Wednesday 12 April – Friday 26 May 2023 |
| Consulting all residents | To find out what is most important to you and what your concerns are. | May to September 2023 |
| Engaging contractors | To put the contract in place for the contractor who will design and carry out the work. | March to July 2023 |
| Recruiting Resident Liaison Officers (RLO) | They will be in contact with you when we need access to your home and keep you up to date with what is going on. | September 2023 |
| Consulting all residents | Residents were asked to choose the overall block and entrance design. | October 2023 |
| Submitting planning application | The chosen designs were submitted to planning. | November and December 2023 |
| Developing a programme of work | To set out what work that is needed and the timeframes for doing the work. | December 2023 – March 2024 |
| Planning committee | Planning decision for the building design and other specifications for Harbour Towers and Trove Court and Kennedy House. | 14 February 2024 |
| Planning committee | Planning decision for the building design and other specifications for Staner Court and Invicta House | March 2024 |
| Commence works | Works start at Harbour Towers and move onto Trove Court & Kennedy House. | Late spring 2024 |
| Commence works | Works start at Invicta House and move onto Staner Court. | Late summer 2024 |
Any information provided in relation to the Refurbishment and Retrofit Programme will be used by Thanet District Council and its partner contractors for the purposes of delivering the programme of works. Where appropriate we will use any data provided to update existing resident records. We will ensure that all the information you provide is stored securely and in accordance with data protection law.