In August 2022, Charing Cross Housing Association transferred to West of Scotland HA after 96% of tenants voted in favour. One of the key promises WSHA made to Charing Cross HA tenants was that all single-glazed windows in the conservation area properties would be replaced by double-glazed windows in the first five years post-transfer.

After a period of obtaining planning permission, procuring a supplier and installer and the windows being specified and manufactured, the first timber replacement contract went on site on 29th January 2024.

385 properties in total will have new double-glazed windows installed over the next three years at a total cost of £5.7 million.

The windows will be installed by window and door manufacturer Sidey with the current single-glazed windows upgraded to double-glazed sash-and-case style windows in keeping with the period details of the conservation area homes.

The new windows will provide significant benefits to tenants, tackling fuel poverty and contributing to noise reduction in the properties. Recognising this, WSHA began applying for planning permission to undertake the work even before the transfer of tenancies from Charing Cross HA to WSHA was complete, to ensure upgrades were undertaken as speedily as possible for tenants.

Brian Gannon, CEO of WSHA, said: “When WSHA consulted with tenants on a possible transfer, the recurring message we heard from tenants was that they were desperate for the replacement of single-glazed windows in their homes, particularly with rising energy costs. This was always a top priority for WSHA to deliver and we are pleased to be now on-site with our window replacement programme.”

Ros Smith, chairperson of the Woodlands & Garnethill Residents Association, said: “I and my fellow members are pleased to endorse this massive improvement to our properties. The properties here carry unique challenges in some instances and the WSHA team have worked really hard to address these. This window refurbishment will bring warmth and reduced energy costs to tenants, which surely can only be positive news in these hard-hitting economic times.”

One of the first tenants to receive the new windows, Ms Turner of South Woodside Road said: “The new windows are great. There are no more draughts— I used to keep my curtains shut all the time to try and keep the heat in and you could see them moving with the draught. They look great too. The team that done my windows were amazing, really polite and professional - I couldn’t have asked for anything more.”

Steve Hardy, joint managing director of Sidey Group, said: “We have enjoyed a long and mutually beneficial partnership with West of Scotland Housing Association and are delighted to be awarded the window replacement works in the conservation area surrounding Charing Cross as part of WSHA’s commitment to improve the overall quality of the housing stock following the integration with Charing Cross HA.

“Sidey are one of the most highly accredited window and door manufacturers in the UK, focussed on working with our customers to provide energy efficient products and solutions, resulting in a better quality of life and a more sustainable way of living.”

When taking over the tenancies of Charing Cross Housing Association, WSHA made a series of promises to tenants, which included investment of up to £9.5m in their homes. Alongside the window replacement programme, Charing Cross tenants will also be receiving, as applicable, new bathrooms, kitchens and heating systems.

Other promises include a £100,000 kick-start local budget to support partnership projects to improve the wider environment. WSHA said it is currently on track to keep all of its transfer promises to ex-Charing Cross HA tenants.