1 Golden Gates Housing Trust partner with Fusion21

An arm’s-length management organisation has become the first in the country to transfer all its stock to a housing association.  Golden Gates Housing, which has managed 8,700 homes on behalf of Warrington Council since February 2004, became a housing association

Golden Gates Housing Trust (GGHT) will be using the Fusion21 Procurement Frameworks to undertake part of their improvement works. GGHT are expected to spend around £105 million through improvements to their stock over the next 5 years.

“This is a massive boost to housing in the borough which in a time of recession is fantastic news. It will affect around 20,000 people in our 8,700 homes, with investment beginning immediately,” added Peter Mercer, Chief Executive of Golden Gates Housing Trust.

It followed a ballot of Golden Gates Housing tenants in April, when the plans to hand over property to a new, ‘not for profit’ social housing provider, were given a yes with 91.9 per cent of those voting in favour.

They will be utilising the Fusion21 Heating, Windows & Doors, and Bathroom frameworks, they will also be carrying out Adaptations on a number of properties for their residents.

Bramall Construction have been appointed to install the windows and doors, which are supplied by Total Glass, additionally the Dodd Group has been appointed to install security lights for the properties.The contractors who will be working on the other workstreams through the frameworks have yet to be appointed.

The partnership between Fusion21 and Golden Gates Housing Trust has created four new apprenticeships through the Fuson21 Skills programme, which links the procurement spend of Fusion21 clients with job creation in their local community.

Following the recent Comprehensive Spending Review greater collaboration between the housing sector can help people generate the savings necessary, Fusion21 and Golden Gates Housing Trust will be working together to ensure the works are delivered successfully and efficiencies are created.

Helen Marsh, Head of Procurement & Supply Chain at Fusion21 commented, “We are delighted to have the opportunity to work with Golden Gates Housing Trust in delivering their programme, providing not only value for money but also offering job creation within the local community. We look forward to developing a long and successful partnership with Golden Gates Housing Trust.”