Void Housing Programme: Social Housing Retrofit & Fabric Refurbishment

A comprehensive void housing retrofit and refurbishment programme across North Liverpool, delivering deep fabric upgrades, full mechanical overhauls, and internal fit-outs across 20 vacant properties to return energy-efficient assets back to Liverpool City Council’s social housing stock.

Type of Work Retrofit & Refurbishment

Client Type Social Landlord

Property Type Residential

Location Liverpool

Project Value £1,600,000

Duration 12+ months

Services Provided

Full Retrofit
Insulation Upgrades
MEP Installations
Internal Refurbishment

Project Overview

Background

We were appointed by Liverpool City Council to deliver a major void housing refurbishment and energy-efficiency retrofit programme across North Liverpool. The project targeted 20 long-term vacant social housing properties that required extensive structural, thermal, and internal modernisation before they could be safely reallocated to tenants. Operating under a £1,600,000 contract value, the scheme required a comprehensive fabric-first approach to eradicate dampness, drastically improve energy performance metrics, and deliver fully compliant, turnkey living spaces.

Operational Challenges

Managing multiple properties across different locations
Addressing varying levels of structural and internal disrepair
Meeting tight turnaround timelines to reduce void periods
Coordinating multiple trades and workstreams efficiently
Maintaining consistent quality across all units

Scope of Works

Full strip-outs and preparation works
Damp proofing installations
Insulation upgrades (internal walls, floors, and lofts)
Electrical, plumbing, and gas central heating installations
Internal refurbishment and decoration

Our 5-Phase Delivery Approach

Given the scale and nature of the programme, our approach focused on creating a repeatable and efficient delivery model. By standardising processes across properties while adapting to individual site conditions, we were able to maintain consistency without compromising on quality.

We implemented strong programme management and coordination systems to ensure all trades operated efficiently, enabling us to meet turnaround targets and deliver each property to a high standard.

Pre-Construction

Conducted structural and hazardous material assessments across all 20 assets, established localized site compounds, and secured the urban perimeters.

Site Preparation

Executed complete internal strip-outs, stripped back failing plaster, and repaired the baseline structural fabric to prepare the properties for intensive thermal upgrades.

Main Works Execution

Injected new damp-proof barriers and installed a continuous, high-performance insulation envelope (walls, floors, and lofts) alongside structural roofing overhauls.

Technical Integration & Testing

Deployed first- and second-fix plumbing, gas, and electrical systems, completing thorough pressure, safety, and energy-efficiency compliance checks.

Quality Assurance & Handover

Conducted stringent HHSRS and building control inspections across every unit, turning keys back to Liverpool City Council for immediate tenant allocation.

Project Performance & Outcomes

The LCC Void Housing Programme successfully transformed 20 heavily degraded, inhabitable properties into warm, safe, and modern social homes. Delivered on time and within the strict £1.6M public capital budget, the project utilized an aggressive insulation strategy that significantly elevated the EPC ratings of the housing stock, directly protecting future tenants from fuel poverty.

By returning these assets to active use, the scheme successfully reduced local council housing waiting lists, eliminated neighborhood blight, and provided Liverpool City Council with durable, low-maintenance property assets.

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Our Core Service Capabilities

Beyond large-scale void transformations and energy retrofits, we operate as a long-term principal contracting partner for housing and asset management. We deliver five core service streams engineered specifically to support developers, housing associations, local authorities, private landlords, and surveyors:

New Build & Construction

End-to-end principal contracting, structural developments, and turnkey construction solutions tailored strictly to commercial and residential sectors.

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Maintenance Packages

Tailored planned, preventative, and cyclical maintenance frameworks designed to protect building fabrics and extend asset lifecycles.

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Refurbishment & Retrofit Services

Comprehensive building renewals, structural modernizations, and deep energy-efficiency upgrades to meet current housing standards.

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24/7 Emergency Response Services

Round-the-clock reactive maintenance, urgent structural stabilization, and rapid-response engineering to eliminate operational downtime.

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Fire Protection Services

Certified fire stopping, compliant fire door installations, and robust containment upgrades aligned precisely with current building safety regulations.

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We rely on their 24/7 emergency response service across multiple commercial sites. The team reacts quickly, resolves issues efficiently, and provides clear reporting after every incident. Their professionalism significantly reduces operational disruption.

James O’Connor

Facilities Director – Commercial Institution

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Ready to Modernize Your Property Portfolio?

If you need a reliable principal contractor to accelerate void turnarounds or manage large-scale municipal refurbishments, our team is equipped to scale with your timeline and budget. Get in touch with us today.

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