A LONG-awaited multi-million pound revamp of three blocks of flats in Oldbury is set to get underway this month.

Sandwell Council has appointed partnership housing company Lovell to carry out the £9.7 million improvement programme on the Harry Price, Hackwood and Wallace high rise houses on the Lion Farm Estate.

Work on the internal and external refurbishment of the 1960s 13-storey blocks will start this month and is expected to take 18 months to complete.

The project is part of a £43million improvement programme across the borough announced by the authority back in 2013.

Refurbishments will include new windows, balcony doors and panels, and the fitting of fire-resistant, insulated external cladding of the highest standard.

Lovell will also install new lifts and new door entry systems, create extra car parking, carry out landscaping and the redecoration of communal areas.

Residents will continue to live in their homes during the refurbishment and Lovell have said they will do everything possible to minimise disruption, including a respite facility for use during the day.

The company has also made a commitment to recruit a number of local apprentices and work placements to be part of the project where possible.

In addition to this, Lovell has said it will get involved in community events and initiatives.

Lovell regional refurbishment director Carl Yale said: “We are proud to be continuing our long-standing relationship with Sandwell Council through this latest refurbishment scheme.

“This is a major programme of work which will deliver important physical improvements for people’s homes as well as lasting community benefits for the area.”

Councillor Kerrie Carmichael, Sandwell’s cabinet member for housing, added: “I am really pleased that work is starting on the three high-rise blocks on the Lion Farm estate.

“They really need modernising and I am sure tenants are looking forward to the transformation over the next year which will revitalise the whole estate.

“The council will be working closely with the Lovell team to make sure that tenants are kept fully up-to-date as work progresses and that they are inconvenienced as little as possible.”

*A residents’ open day will be held on Wednesday, August 16 from 4.30pm to 7.30pm at Rounds Green Library Community Room, Martley Road, Oldbury where they can meet the construction team and ask questions.