Housing estate next to Grenfell Tower will receive a carbon-neutral overhaul funded by the council

The housing estate next to Grenfell Tower will receive a carbon-neutral overhaul as part of Kensington and Chelsea Council’s sustainability plan.

The council has secured grants of more than £20 million towards its mission of transforming Lancaster West into a model 21st Century social housing estate.

More than £19.4 million from the Department for Business Energy and Industrial Strategy will be used to complete energy-efficient “retrofits” to 367 properties in Barandon, Hurstway and Testerton Walk, 79 properties in Morland House and Talbot Grove House, and 85 properties in Camelford Walk and Camelford Court.

Upgrades to a further 38 homes in Treadgold House will be possible thanks to an additional £1.6 million from the Mustbe0 EU Interregional programme.

Potential improvements to the North Kensington buildings could include triple-glazed windows, high-quality non-combustible roof and wall insulation, renewable heating sources and new ventilation systems.

Residents will benefit from cheaper energy bills, warmer homes and more attractive buildings.

The refurbishment forms the first part of the Council’s sustainability plan, which will see over £100m invested to reach Kensington and Chelsea’s target of being carbon neutral in its operations by 2030.

James Caspell, Neighbourhood Director for Lancaster West Estate, said: “Building on three years of codesign, this additional funding for eight blocks that are home to hundreds of residents will jump-start our ambition to make our estate carbon neutral by 2030 and enable us to share our learning with the rest of the UK.

“It will also support a green economic recovery from the pandemic by bringing a range of green jobs to the area, so that this investment in Lancaster West becomes an investment in North Kensington.”

Plans for the net-zero refurbishments have been developed following extensive engagement between residents and the Lancaster West Neighbourhood Team.

Once completed, the schemes will help Lancaster West become a carbon net-zero estate by 2030 and the Council achieve its target of making all operations net-zero by the same year.

The refurbishments are part of a wider programme to transform Lancaster West into a model 21st Century social housing estate, with £58 million committed by Kensington and Chelsea Council and the Government.

Measures already underway include introducing smart thermostats, LED spotlights and electric vehicles; and switching to net-zero energy providers when homes become empty.