Queens Cross invests to keep money in tenants’ pockets

Last year, Queens Cross Housing Association invested an average of nearly £2000 in each of its 4300 homes in northwest Glasgow.

According to the association’s Annual Performance Report, there continues to be a focus on installing new heating systems and on energy efficiencies to help keep tenants’ bills down.

As part of improvement work at the Cedar high rise flats on St George’s Road, new combination boilers have now been installed to more than 300 properties. The new systems have programmable room thermostats and hot water controllers to make sure they are as efficient as possible.

The flats have also benefitted from triple glazed windows and enclosed balconies, all measures that will reduce the need for heating.

“Simple things like having the ability to heat the amount of water that you need really helps reduce bills,” said Queens Cross chief executive, Shona Stephen.

“According to our latest tenants’ survey, 35% of tenants said that at some time they had chosen not to put the heating on because of fears over costs. This is an area where we can make a real difference. By upgrading heating and installing the very best insulation, we are helping to keep money in tenants’ pockets, cash that can be used to help improve their quality of life in other areas.”

A new ground-source system is now operational at Westercommon, delivering energy efficient heating to 448 homes in the area and at Woodside an £11 million heating system is now saving tenants on average 14% on their bills.

The performance report also outlined progress on delivering 600 new homes in Hamiltonhill. Consultation with local people took place in the preparation of detailed planning submission, which is currently being considered by Glasgow City Council.

“Building more homes with affordable rents while improving the efficiency of existing dwellings is all helping to build a community people want to be part of at Queens Cross,’’ added Shona.