The Dallfield multi-storey flats are to be renovated, with Dundee City Council entering into a partnership with Scottish Gas through a government scheme to help tenants save up to £300 a year on their heating bills.
The housing committee on Monday night agreed a report from housing director Elaine Zwirlein which will allow people in the Dallfield development and associated low-rise flats to benefit from upgraded homes which are more energy efficient.
Scottish Gas is working under the Community Energy Saving Programme (CESP), which will see thousands of homes across Scotland receive whole house energy makeovers that will lead to major savings for families.
Nearly 350 flats managed by Dundee City Council will receive a range of energy saving measures.
Preparatory work in Dallfield started in December and is being carried out as part of the CESP, which is a joint initiative between the government, energy suppliers and power generators to help low-income communities.Elaine Zwirlein said on Tuesday, “The partnership with Scottish Gas will result in a substantial investment that will involve installing an insulated render that will keep flats warmer, reduce heat-loss through walls and give the blocks a whole new appearance.
“The proposed district heating system will make a real difference to tenants by making their homes more energy efficient and more comfortable to live in, with dramatically lower heating bills.
“Tenants can also look forward to modern kitchens and bathrooms being installed.
“This project complements other management initiatives in the Dallfield area including local management initiatives, tightening up of tenancy conditions, offering housing support packages to those who want them, all designed to prevent anti-social behaviour and restore residents’ confidence in the area.”
At Monday night’s meeting SNP councillor Ken Lynn said, “I’m delighted to see this after so many of our other multi-storey buildings in the city have been demolished. It’s really great news.
“I know the people who live there like their flats.”
Labour councillor Mohammed Asif sought an assurance from the housing director that tenants on the 13th and 14th floors would not suffer previous problems of lack of hot water and asked for details on payment methods for their electricity and gas supplies.
Ms Zwirlein told him they were in negotiations with sub-contractors that would ensure good hot water pressure and a much improved, cheaper system for heating and hot water. She added that officers were currently looking at the various options for payment methods.
In answer to a question from Lochee councillor Tom Ferguson as to whether there would be similar plans for the remaining “long-suffering Lochee multi tenants,” housing convener Jimmy Black said they had changed from previous demolition plans.
“We’re looking at refurbishing them and giving them a longer life,” he said. “There will be progress soon but we’re not quite there yet.”