The London-based specialist housing contractor will undertake all of Circle’s planned maintenance and gas servicing work in its southern region. The remit covers three areas of former smaller housing associations that are now part of the Circle Group – Merton Priory in southwest London, Mole Valley in Surrey and Russet Homes in the Tonbridge area of Kent.
Keepmoat has been appointed to provide responsive repairs for Merton Priory Homes and Russet Homes. Circle's new in-house repairs team will deliver responsive repairs for Mole Valley Housing Association.
United House's contract covers an initial five year period and is worth up to £30m a year, with an option to extend this for a further five years.
United House has committed to an employment and training programme, with 50 apprentices taken on for the works.
The scope of works covers all aspects of planned maintenance, including new kitchens and bathrooms, doors and windows, central heating upgrades, rewiring, grounds maintenance and cleaning, external repairs and decoration, gas servicing, lift upgrades and roof replacement.
Circle has approximately 14,000 tenanted properties in its southern region requiring refurbishment. United House will start work on site in all areas from April 2013. The timetable for the planned repairs is currently being agreed.
Andy Doylend, executive director of operations at Circle, said: “This marks a significant step towards our new and improved repairs and maintenance service. We look forward to working with Keepmoat and United House to boost the quality of repairs provided to our customers, improve the way we measure performance across the group and provide a sector-leading service.”
United House group chief executive Jeffrey Adams said: “We have built a strong long-term relationship with Circle Housing Group and it is a real achievement for us to be awarded this large scale contract. We are absolutely committed to making this project a success and look forward to delivering a significantly better quality of life for the residents in the communities we will be working.”
Circle is still finalising the arrangements for its remaining repais and maintenance contracts.
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