Council to help renovate up to 60 homes on East Marsh street

Rutland Street, on the East Marsh, has been identified as the location for the new scheme following a borough wide assessment. The initiative, known as retrofitting, will look to provide improved energy efficiency, better living conditions and other upgrades such as external wall insulation to the houses.

Should it be deemed a success, further funding may be sought to beautify and green up the external areas of the street with new fencing and greenery with potential for community-led tree planting.

In Summer 2024, the Council was awarded £3.1 million by Government to carry out the pilot project to help improve house valuation and encourage investment in the area with plans now approved by cabinet.

An initial phase of surveys will be undertaken before the final stage of works is sanctioned.

A similar scheme was implemented in Guildford Street in 2017, just 200m away from Rutland Street. Both roads were built in the same era and comprise of similar housing types, but house prices are now significantly higher on Guilford Street, partially due to the retrofitting programme.

Additionally, the number of homeowners and tenants leaving the street has lessened since the project was completed, creating a more stable community.

Speaking about retrofitting, Councillor Stewart Swinburn, Portfolio Holder for Housing, Infrastructure and Transport, said: “These visual and structural improvements to homes will inject a sense of community pride, reduce anti-social behaviour and promote safety, well-being and a more cohesive neighbourhood.

“The houses will also benefit greatly from the scheme with the potential for improved energy efficiency and better living conditions.”

Councillor Stan Shreeve, Portfolio Holder for Adult Public Health and Wellbeing, added: “Projects like this also pay dividends to people’s mental and physical health. Good homes are proven to help reduce respiratory issues and improved energy efficiency will ease worries about bills and spending.”

The project will be delivered by North East Lincolnshire Council, community groups like East Marsh United – who already run a similar project on the ward – and other partners.