Newcastle City Council, in partnership with RE:GEN North East, has successfully completed a £4.1 million project to transform the heating systems at Heaton Park Court, a high-rise building in the heart of Newcastle.
This pioneering project marks the first high-rise in the city to combine external wall insulation and new windows to reduce energy demand, improving the visual appearance of the block and fully transition from gas to new energy-efficient heating systems as part of the national Social Housing Decarbonisation Scheme.
The initiative has upgraded all 72 flats with new energy-efficient measures, replacing outdated gas appliances with modern systems aimed at making homes warmer and more cost-effective for residents this winter. These improvements align with Newcastle City Council’s ambitious Net Zero goals, making Heaton Park Court a flagship project in the city’s wider efforts to tackle carbon emissions and reduce energy costs for residents.
Expanding across the city following the success at Heaton Park Court, similar energy efficiency measures are set to be implemented in three Shieldfield Tower blocks and 32 homes in Walker later this year. These upgrades are part of a broader effort to modernise housing infrastructure across Newcastle, making the city’s buildings more energy efficient and sustainable for the future.
In addition to this work, the council has secured an additional £2.1 million in funding from the Government to further support energy efficiency improvements in privately-owned homes. This funding will complement the £4 million Sustainable Warmth grants, focusing on homes with electric heating systems. Measures such as wall, loft, and floor insulation, low-carbon heating systems, and solar panels will be funded to help reduce energy bills and lower emissions.
Further support is being offered to residents across the North East through the Home Energy Advice North East service, providing free, impartial advice on energy-saving improvements. Delivered by in-house experts at the Energy Saving Trust, the service aims to help residents lower their energy bills and make their homes more efficient.
Cllr Paula Maines, Cabinet Member for Housing at Newcastle City Council, commented: "We are committed to reaching Net Zero - a core priority for the city.
“Working together with businesses, residents, and partners, we’re reducing carbon emissions and helping residents save on energy costs. This project is vital for creating a cleaner, greener Newcastle for future generations."
Dave Brown, operations director for RE:GEN North East, said: “This project has been a shining example of what can be achieved through a successful partnership. Together, we’ve transformed this tower block into one of the most energy-efficient buildings we’ve ever worked on.
“Through the measures completed, we have reduced residents’ heat demand from an average of 56.7 kWh/m² per annum to just 33.26 kWh/m², with some apartments achieving levels as low as 20 kWh/m².
“This is a giant leap in tackling fuel poverty in the region, dramatically improving both living conditions and the building’s aesthetics. Our trusted approach to decarbonisation is built on strong partnerships and a commitment to creating real, lasting benefits for people’s lives - and this project is a testament to that."
How to Access Support
Sustainable Warmth Grants: Electrically-heated private homeowners can apply for funding to make energy efficiency improvements by contacting Warmworks at 0800 011 6189 or applying online: Sustainable Warmth scheme with Newcastle City Council • Warmworks • Bringing warmth to homes and communities.
Home Energy Advice North East: For free, impartial advice on reducing energy bills and improving energy efficiency, visit https://energyadvicenortheast.co.uk/in-home-support or call 0808 175 9345 (Monday to Friday, 9 am – 5 pm).