Issue - meetings

To consider the report of the Director.

The Director (BA) and Housing Development Officer presented the report outlining the history behind Rennes House, past decisions made and setting out costed options for the refurbishment works required to the building. Rennes House was a 10 storey tower block used as older persons accommodation (over 60’s) located in the Whipton Barton Area of Exeter providing 61 homes to Council tenants on a social rent.

The four options presented were:-

          (1)      full refurbishment;

          (2)      minimal refurbishment;

          (3)      demolition; and

(4)      wider regeneration.

Refurbishment would necessitate the relocation of tenants either internally or externally as work progresses. This would be a complex process to ensure that internal moves and decants are undertaken in the most efficient way to ensure both minimal disruption to the residents and not to disrupt the build programme.

The Portfolio Holder for the HRA enlarged on the advantages and disadvantages of each option and explained the reasons behind her preference for the first option of full refurbishment. It would provide a high quality refurbishment which would guarantee the lifespan of the building going forward for a minimum of 40 years, would be in keeping with Chester Long House another new development in the immediate area, it provided significant savings in heating costs and would improve thermal comfort and indoor air quality and it was the preferred option of tenants.

It was noted that the report recommended the following work which did not form part of the options:-

(1)        carry out fire engineering recommendations including Automatic Opening Vent installation and new dry riser; and

(2)        replace service risers including water and electrical distribution and remove asbestos from the risers.

Decant costs would also need to be included and final costs would depend on whether a partial or full decant was required.

Members discussed the options, one Member referring to three earlier schemes for re-development which he felt should also have been put forward as options at this stage. It was noted however that these were conceptual rather than detailed plans.

A Member supported the re-modelling of the ground floor which would make the laundry and scooter storage more accessible for all and create additional communal space, whilst other Members welcomed the proposal as the one supported by the residents themselves.

There was unanimous support for the option of full refurbishment and Members were presented with, and supported, a series of sub options within the main proposal, costs of which were circulated.

Scrutiny Committee - People noted:-

(a)     the report setting out the refurbishment works required to Rennes House, alongside the costs of refurbishment in relation to the value of the building; and

(b)     the responses to the consultation undertaken with Rennes House residents as detailed in the report; and

requested Executive to support the option for proceeding with a full refurbishment of Rennes House, with sub options as circulated.

To consider the report of the Director.