More than 2,000 homes in Hull will benefit from cheaper energy bills and better homes after Willmott Dixon’s Energy Services company was appointed by Hull City Council as its new citywide energy partner.

The company has a £35 million contract to deliver a package of energy saving measures across the city to make homes warmer and improve living conditions for thousands of residents. It follows similar deals the company has in Oxford, Leeds and Bristol.

Energy Services MD Rob Lambe signs up with Councillor John Black

Refurbishment works will include improvements to 329 homes in the Preston Road area and 1,668 properties in Orchard Park, including external solid wall insulation similar to that delivered in other areas of the city. Energy efficiency and frontage improvement works will also be delivered to 136 properties in Granville Street and Walliker Street as part of the contract.

Councillor John Black, Portfolio Holder for Council Infrastructure with responsibility for housing, said:

"While specific reductions to housing revenue has had serious implications on schemes like this, we are continuing with this important investment and these energy improvements recognise our commitment in Hull's 10-year City Plan to become a leading UK Energy City."

Robert Lambe, managing director of Willmott Dixon Energy Services said:

"We are delighted to be working in partnership with Hull City Council. Over the next five years we will deliver improvements which will help improve the health and well-being of thousands of people. A considerable amount of time has been spent planning these works and we are now looking forward to putting these plans into action.”

Our Hull-based team making a difference in the community

This contract expands the presence of Willmott Dixon Energy Services in England, where it is currently working with Oxford City Council, Bristol, West Yorkshire Combined Authorities and the Association of Greater Manchester Authorities to make people’s homes warmer and more efficient.

In Hull, it is anticipated that work to homes in Preston Road will get underway in February 2016 and Orchard Park in March 2016. The work will be funded in part with ECO (Energy Company Obligation) funding from Npower and Hull Warmzone will bring their expertise in affordable warmth to the partnership.

Hull City Council is one of only a small number of local authorities to 'partner' and work collaboratively with an energy efficiency partner for a period of five years in a bid to help all residents access energy efficiency measures in a simplified way, with the assurance of a reputable provider.