A possible design for a new play area which Hala Community Group will be on hand to tell residents more about at a planned Open Day. More designs on the group’s Facebook page

Lancaster City Council and its partner contractor Forrest will be carrying out major improvement work on Lancaster’s Hala Estate, and will be holding an open day for residents to find out more.

The event will be held at Beck View Sheltered Housing Scheme on Thursday 24th March from 9am to 12pm and from 2pm to 5pm.

The improvement work being undertaken during 2011 and 2012, will see a number of properties receive new kitchens, part bathroom improvements and re-rendering. The open day is an opportunity for tenants to meet the contractors, choose their kitchen and colour of rendering, and find out more about the work taking place.

There will also be an opportunity to see the plans for the new play area which Hala Community Group (Facebook group here) have been working hard to raise money for.

The city council’s recycling team will also be on hand to offer information and advice about bin collections and recycling, and Emcor Engineering Services will provide advice on energy efficiency including thermal insulation, and offering the chance to win £50 B&Q vouchers in their prize draw which will be open to anyone who has an annual gas service carried out by them.

Vision Services will be talking to tenants about the upgrade of the communal satellite system which will allow them to upgrade to Sky Plus without needing a separate individual dish.

“The city council is working closely with our contactor Forrest and other partner agencies to upgrade a number of the council’s housing properties,” explains Councillor David Kerr, cabinet member with responsibility for housing. 

“The work due to be carried out in Hala will bring significant benefits both to the properties and the local community and we would encourage the tenants to come along and find out how we are improving their estate”.

Lancaster City Council’s partnership with social housing regeneration expert Forrest is now in its second year of a five year contract, and is working hard to deliver real value for local people.

Forrest are currently carrying out kitchen, bathroom and external refurbishments and re-rendering works across the Lancaster district.

They have already shown their commitment to supporting local groups and helping to regenerate community spaces thorough projects such as the indoor garden at Beck View Centre, and by funding the refurbishment of the basketball area on Hala Green.