Holman House, Caldicot

Background

MHA purchased Holman House in 2023 for £1.145m, supported by £568,701 of Welsh Government Social Housing Grant. The mixed-use property consists of 6 residential flats on the 1^st floor and 5 commercial units on the ground floor.

MHA are working in partnership with MCC to help deliver their strategic vision of a flagship regeneration scheme in Caldicot town centre.

Significant improvement works have been undertaken to bring the properties up to a lettable standard as well as increase the energy efficiency and aesthetic appearance of the homes.

Internal works

The £140,000 worth of internal works completed in May 2024.

Key works include:

• Fire compartmentation works to improve the buildings fire safety.
• Mains distribution board and consumer unit upgrades for solar PVs.
• Complete re-decoration and installation of energy efficient lighting.
• Upgrade of door entry system.
• Washer/Dryers installed to enable our tenants to wash and dry their clothes.
• Sprinkler system serviced to ensure safety and compliance.
• Structural and Asbestos surveys completed.
• 400mm of loft insulation laid in the loft to increase energy performance.
•  Communal internet system and satellite TV installed.

External works

External works started in March 25 and are due to complete in September 25. The principal contractor is Capsel.

These works were enabled by the Transforming Towns Programme grant supported by MCC.

Key works include:

• Installation of 70 solar panels and 6 batteries.
• External wall insulation to improve the buildings energy performance.
• Hardie Plank Cladding, render and stone slips to improve the buildings aesthetics
• New residential front door to increase security and aesthetics along with a new canopy.
• Overhaul of the canopy the front of the building to improve the buildings aesthetics.
• New shop fronts and shutters to all the commercial units
• New rear doors and windows to the commercial units
• Resurfacing of the rear car park, new main gate and fencing

With EPC performance ratings raising from D to A, tenants are already reaping the rewards and advise they have not had to top up their pre-pay meters since the solar panels were installed.

Additional:

Following the closure of Caldicot’s only post office, MHA worked closely with MCC to identify a suitable location for a new post office. MHA retained an empty commercial unit and provided the new postmaster with 2 months free rent to help them get up and running.

Total Anticipated project Cost:   £2,029,444.00

Total Grant Received:                    £1,013,932.55

(Social Housing Grant / Transforming Towns Programme).