Under the New Deal for Communities program, the £8.5 million Brooks Road Estate regeneration began in 2004, improving 230 homes while residents remained in situ. The scope included external wall and roof insulation, double-glazed windows, energy-efficient lighting, upgraded kitchens and bathrooms, and improved services like condensing combi boilers. Security enhancements included new stair cores, deck access, and defined communal courtyards. Many flats were extended to add an extra bedroom, increasing family housing availability.

The project achieved transformative results, reducing energy consumption in a typical 67 sqm flat by 62% and heating costs by 55%. Over two decades, these upgrades have saved residents approximately £1 million in heating costs and cut estate-wide carbon emissions by 11,400 tonnes.

The project’s operational carbon reduction—from 338kWh/m² to 130kWh/m²—remains closely aligned with today’s net-zero standards, requiring just a 13–23% further reduction to meet LETI, NZCBS, and Enerphit benchmarks. Brooks Road’s proactive, holistic approach anticipated many principles later formalised under PAS 2035, which emphasises comprehensive planning and the need for specialist roles like Retrofit Coordinators.

Over the past two decades, advancements in materials and methods have highlighted areas for improvement:

As the UK aims for net-zero emissions by 2050, retrofitting is critical for decarbonising existing housing stock and improving living standards. Initiatives like the Labour government’s 2023 Warm Homes Plan and standards such as LETI and PAS 2035 are designed to support these goals.

However, retrofit projects often face challenges due to poorly executed designs that overlook buildings’ holistic needs. PAS 2035’s introduction of roles like Retrofit Assessor and Coordinator aims to restore confidence and ensure long-term success.

Securing funding remains a significant barrier. Local authorities and housing associations are addressing this by aligning retrofits with scheduled maintenance, minimising resident disruption and optimising budgets. For example, roof repairs often incorporate loft insulation upgrades.

There are currently many funding streams available. For homeowners, The Great British Insulation Scheme and the Energy Company Obligation Scheme provide 100% grants to tackle fuel poverty. For local authorities, The Social Housing Decarbonising Fund (SHDF) and the GLA’s £500 million Green Finance Fund (part loan, part grant) support large-scale retrofits.

At Bell Phillips, we’ve supported clients in leveraging these opportunities, ensuring efficient and impactful upgrades.

Brooks Road Estate demonstrates the potential of well-designed, expertly executed retrofits. Today, we continue to refine our approach, led by specialists like our Senior Architect Sean Kitchen, who is qualifying as a PAS 2035 Retrofit Coordinator.

As we look to the future, we remain committed to creating sustainable, energy-efficient housing for generations to come, building on the legacy of Brooks Road Estate.