Breathing new life into Bowland House
Bowland House was one of three tower blocks built in 1963 and the only one still standing after the others were replaced by homes.
Hamilton was commissioned by main contractor, Casey Group, to help revitalise the tired looking building on behalf of Great Places Housing Group and Blackburn with Darwen Council.
Improving the insulation of the external walls was a key part of the project.
Hamilton’s team installed the Wetherby Building Systems 80mm mineral fibre insulation with a clay brick slip finish to the ground floor and a 70mm mineral fibre insulation with a 1.5mm 4S silicone finish above.
Work was also undertaken in a number of key areas:
- Installing new windows and flat entrance doors that have a 60-minute fire rating
- The installation of a sprinkler system to all flats and communal areas and the installation of an innovative evacuation system, which will allow the Fire and Rescue Service to evacuate a single floor or any multiples of floors
- Installing new hot water cylinders, electric showers and communal lighting systems
- Replacing the existing problematic roof coverings with new
- Install new floor coverings and redecoration of communal areas.
Matt Harrison, Great Places’ Chief Executive, said they had incredible feedback from the people living at Bowland House who were at home during the refurbishment because of the global pandemic.
He said:
Despite a global pandemic and some very difficult weather conditions, our team and our contractor Casey’s have worked together to breathe new life into Bowland House.
The building was looking tired…but what has been achieved is incredible.
Robert Storton, Hamilton Managing Director, added:
Bowland House was a rewarding project to be part of and the results are amazing. We enjoyed working alongside Casey and Blackburn Council to breathe new life into this building and to hear the feedback from the residents is amazing.
We’re delighted with the results and it is another job well done for the Hamilton team.
Alan Taylor, Operations Director at Casey, said:
We are thrilled with the transformation of Bowland House.
At Casey our purpose is ‘Improving Lives’ and on this scheme, we were delighted to be able to support residents and the local community with our social value initiatives and leave a lasting legacy.
Former four-time World Superbike champion Carl Fogarty was the guest of honour as Great Places’ Bowland House in Blackburn was officially unveiled.
To complete the project and in collaboration with Blackburn College and Bowland House’s art group, special art pieces were created for each floor of the building depicting landmarks and icons of Blackburn.
