Major refurbishment of Canberra Towers - plans revealed
We are furthering our commitment to delivering greener and warmer homes in Southampton by announcing exciting plans to refurbish Canberra Towers in Weston
A recognisable landmark overlooking Southampton Water, and one of the city’s tallest buildings, the council-owned Canberra Towers is home to 144 households. The block was built in the 1960s and has long been identified as requiring urgent refurbishment.
Now, following major investment in energy-saving home improvements across the city – including insulation, drought-proofing, new roofs, solar panels, and specialist advice via the Environment Centre – council funding will match £2m from the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero’s Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund to support the installation of energy performance measures at Canberra Towers.
Among the improvements, the block will receive:
- External wall insulation
- Replacement windows
- An insulated roof
It is expected that the upgrades will significantly improve the comfort, health, and well-being of Canberra Towers residents by helping to:
- Make the homes warmer and more energy efficient
- Reduce the building’s carbon emissions and improve its energy performance
- Tackle fuel poverty locally
- Support green jobs
The work will complement circa £2m of council investment in fire safety measures at Canberra Towers, with the block benefitting from sprinkler systems, new fire doors and communal doors, improved signage, and fire-stopping measures between flats in recent years.
Once planning permission for the energy performance work has been secured, the council will proceed to appoint a contractor with a view to starting work on site in early 2024. Canberra Towers residents will be invited to an in-person event to find out more about the project in due course.
Claire Edgar, Executive Director Wellbeing and Housing, Southampton City Council, said:
“This is fantastic news for Canberra Towers residents, particularly with rising energy bills continuing to affect so many. These works will improve the appearance of Canberra Towers, giving residents more pride in the homes, help households stay warm, and support our plan for making Southampton a greener and more sustainable city.”
Lord Callanan, Minister for Energy Efficiency and Green Finance, said:
"This investment will help thousands of households to heat their homes for less, keep them warm for longer and could save hundreds on their annual energy bill. The green energy sector is growing, and this funding will support green jobs and provide the training needed to deliver these vital upgrades to homes."
