A MULTI-million pound development scheme is underway at three 1960s tower blocks in Oldbury which will see fire-resistant insulated external cladding installed.

Sandwell Council’s refurbishment partner Lovell recently began work on the £9.7 million programme of internal and external upgrades for the Lion Farm estate’s Hackwood, Wallace and Harry Price House high-rises – which combines more than 200 flats.

The 18-month improvement programme includes a new feature pitched roof for each block with new windows, doors and balcony balustrades.

Front entrance and rear exits will be refurbished and internal communal areas redecorated with new lighting installed, while fire alarms and lifts are being also being replaced.

Fire-resistant insulated external cladding will be installed which councillors – who took a tour of the redevelopments recently – claim will give the three blocks a “new, vibrant appearance”.

Carl Yale, Lovell’s regional refurbishment director, said: “Our project team very much enjoyed showing our partners at Sandwell Council the work taking place at Lion Farm.

“Our team takes huge satisfaction from working on schemes like this which are improving homes and lives and enhancing the community.”

Residents of the three Lion Farm blocks are continuing to live in their homes during the improvements, while a programme of community initiatives will see Lovell link up with local schools and groups, as well as lending its support to the Lion Farm Action Centre – a community-based training centre for local people based in Harry Price House.

Councillor Kerrie Carmichael, cabinet member for housing, added: “It’s good to see that work has now started at Lion Farm on this latest improvement project.

“We’ll be working closely with Lovell to make sure that disruption is kept to a minimum for tenants and they are kept up-to-date with progress.”