Lovell is set to carry out a £3.5m programme of modernisation work at two Motherwell tower blocks for North Lanarkshire Council.

Work is due to start in late January 2009 on the 14-month improvement scheme for Airbles and Whamond Towers close to Airbles Road, Motherwell.

Lovell will install over-cladding panels to both concrete blocks, so that they are better insulated and therefore warmer. The company will also build new roofs for the two 14-storey blocks. In addition, the programme will include the installation of new windows and a new door-entry system. Communal areas will also be upgraded as part of the building work.

Residents will continue to live in the two blocks - which house a total of 132 flats - while the improvement work is carried out. Lovell resident liaison officers will work closely with residents to ensure that the refurbishment programme goes as smoothly as possible and causes the minimum of disruption.


Airbles and Whamond Towers are the sixth and seventh tower blocks to be modernised by Lovell through North Lanarkshire Council’s housing improvement programme.

"It's great to be continuing our partnership with North Lanarkshire Council," said Lovell regional director Alan Taylor, who is based at the company's Glasgow office. "This work will make a major difference for residents, helping deliver homes which are better insulated as well as introducing a range of other improvements."

Monica Patterson, head of Housing Services with North Lanarkshire Council, added: "The council is delighted to be able to commit the necessary funding to progress the overcladding of these blocks of flats. This work will greatly improve the quality of life for our tenants living in these blocks and forms part of the council’s overall programme for towers across North Lanarkshire.

"We are committed to investing in our stock to make it as energy efficient as possible and help minimise fuel bills for our tenants."

As part of its commitment to creating training and job opportunities in the communities where it operates, Lovell will be providing work experience for two trainees on the modernisation programme through Motherwell-based Employment Enterprise.

(GK/JM)