Mears Wins £290m social housing deal

Mears, the social housing repairs and maintenance provider, has reportedly agreed a deal worth up to £290million to upgrade 12,500 council homes over 10 years for Brighton and Hove City Council.

The Contract Journal has revealed that Mears beat four bidders to be named preferred contractor and proposals to appoint the firm will go before the council’s cabinet on 9 July. The contract is due to be signed off over the summer and will start in April 2010.

The contract will cover major planned upgrades such as new kitchens and bathrooms, window replacements, electrical rewiring and cyclical decorations.

Under the deal Mears will set up apprenticeships and a training academy in order to attract a more diverse workforce, especially women. A local kitchen manufacturing workshop will be established and the scheme is expected to support the development of social enterprises by employing local businesses and labour.

The council is also insisting that they introduce measures to reduce the amount of waste sent to landfill, help residents lower their heating bills and tackle fuel poverty.Other commitments include Energy Performance Certificates for all properties being let.