Wythenshawe Community Housing Group – SHDF Wave 2.1

Wythenshawe, Greater Manchester, England

Project Value: £8.75m

Introduction

Wythenshawe Community Housing Group is the largest social housing provider in Greater Manchester. It is responsible for an estimated 14,000 properties, which are home to more than 29,000 residents.

In 2024, it secured funding for a large-scale decarbonisation programme focusing on 215 social housing properties, most of which were semi-detached and achieved a relatively poor EPC rating- i.e. band D or lower. The funding was provided via Wave 2.1 of the Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund (SHDF) and the aim of the 10-month project was to raise these ratings to a minimum of band C.

To deliver the required retrofit measures, the client appointed SBS, based on a well-proven working relationship and our impressive record of success.

The Project

The scheme began in December 2024. In accordance with the requirements of the PAS standards, the SBS team conducted individual surveys of each property to gauge the condition of the structure and substrate, and to determine which measures would be most beneficial for residents.

Taking a whole-house approach, our staff worked with other project stakeholders to plan the installation of multiple measures, which typically included a mix of energy efficiency and general repair works. Examples included external wall insulation (EWI), door and window replacements, new or top-up loft insulation, bathroom ventilation and door undercuts.

Conscious of the need to use the scheme to deliver added social value, SBS and other stakeholders agreed ways in which the works could generate training and employment opportunities for local people. Roles included a resident liaison officer recruited from within the community, local site workers and a site manager. Local businesses were also appointed to the scheme’s supply chain – most notably roofing contractors, who are helping to deliver roof repairs and adaptions, while the main decarbonisation upgrades are being carried out.

Results

One notable challenge presented by the project is the fact that some properties feature mansard roofs. In some non-traditional archetypes, such as Cornish Type 1 properties, installing an EWI system is complicated by the fact that a mansard roof effectively acts as the exterior wall of the upper storey. EWI can be applied to the ground floor walls but some alternative form of insulation is then required upstairs. Fortunately, SBS has considerable experience of treating Cornish and other non-traditional housing types, and working to bespoke designs, we have been able to provide effective insulation while also maintaining a good rate of progress.

Works are ongoing and are proceeding as planned, on time and on budget to be completed by October 2025.

Client Feedback

Describing SBS’s contribution to the retrofit project, Adrian Waywell, Project Manager at Wythenshawe Community Housing Group, said:

“We’re committed to working with SBS to deliver these improvements, while also considering and contributing to wider social value opportunities for the community. This initiative will see over 200 households receive vital decarbonisation measures that will transform their homes and quality of life. We are in the early stages of the programme and happy to say that the works have got off to a good start. Collaboration between SBS and WCHG is going well.”