Tenant engagement | Improving heating in South Hey
We are excited to announce we will soon be starting work on the first phase of improving heating systems at our properties in the South Hey area of Fylde.
We will be installing heating upgrades, which consists of air source heat pumps, solar panels, insulation and ventilation, on over 120 properties in South Hey, Ilkley Avenue and Gisburn Avenue.
Phase one of the work is expected to start before Christmas on 58 properties in Ilkley Avenue and Gisburn Avenue. Phase two will start after April 2026 covering properties in South Hey.
This work is partly supported by the Warm Homes Social Housing Fund Wave 3. This funding has come from the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, which we have accessed through our strategic partner Liverpool City Region and Combined Authority. The Group has also funded the project.
As part of our work, we invited tenants to a consultation and information session at South Hey Community Centre.
Members of our Environmental Sustainability Team were available at South Hey Community Centre to talk to tenants and answer any questions.
We were also joined by our contractors Green Grant Installs (GGI), and Mitsubishi Electric, who showed tenants the Ecodan air to water heat pump and an example of a solar panel.
During the information event, tenants were entered into a free prize draw to win a shopping voucher and electric blanket, funded by GGI.
One of our tenants, Lisa, who attended the information session, said: “I came to find out exactly what was going on because this is something new. The team answered all my questions to help me understand what was going on.
“It was a very informative session and it was great to see the products and talk to the people behind them.
“Progress Housing Group has been very good at informing us about what is going on.”
Jamie Penny, North West Specification Manager at Mitsubishi Electric, said: “We know, for some tenants, it might be the first time they have lived with an air source heat pump. Attending engagement sessions like this one is important so we can support new Ecodan users with practical advice on how to operate the heat pump and share our knowledge on how to run their new heating system efficiently."
As part of our social value commitment, GGI has promised to:
- Donate £2,250 to a food bank
- Provide 50 tenant care packages this winter
- Offer a CSCS Card course to support tenants hoping to get employment in construction
- Arrange a package of work experience and apprenticeships
Jack Corris, Director of GGI, said: "Engagement days like this are very important to introduce GGI, put names to faces and build trust with the tenants.
“It is great to see gift cards and an electric blanket provided by GGI included within the raffle for the tenants. Giving back to the local community is high on GGI’s agenda and I am excited to have committed to further donations, employment opportunities and education over the three-year duration of the contract.
“For any tenants that did not get chance to attend, GGI will have an office on site where tenants can approach the Site Manager or Tenant Liaison Officer with any questions."
Alex Forman, Environmental Sustainability Manager at Progress Housing Group, said: “When we take the time to engage with our tenants and explain the new heating systems, it’s not just about sharing information—it’s about building understanding and trust. It’s incredibly rewarding to know that our efforts help tenants feel confident and cared for as we make positive changes to their homes.”
You can read more about the funding here: 'Warm Homes' funding success | Progress Housing Group