Top award for pioneering council homes

Innovative energy-saving technology has been used to create eighteen 'homes as power stations' in Colliers Way, Penlan, that generate their own power to keep fuel bills as low as possible.

Now the project has been recognised as the best new-build housing initiative by a local authority in the UK at the prestigious Apse Service Awards, 2021.

Tenants have already moved into the properties which are part of Swansea Council's ambition to invest millions of pounds building more than 1,000 new homes for city residents over the next 10 years.

Andrea Lewis, deputy leader of the council and Cabinet member for Homes, Energy and Service Transformation, said: "The Colliers Way project has been ground-breaking in every sense. We're thrilled that our innovative approach to house-building has been recognised by our peers.

"This new generation of homes as power stations use innovative technology to generate power, keep bills down and contribute to our ambition to be a zero carbon council.

"This award reflects an incredible effort by our teams in Housing and building services to realise the ambition of creating a new generation of affordable for-rent homes that really are leading the way in energy-efficiency."

She said: "It's a win for tenants because they enjoy lower fuel bills now. But it's also a win for the environment and future generations as just one of our contributions to helping tackle climate change.

"The homes are among the most energy-efficient anywhere in Wales and we're hoping the Apse award will encourage other local authorities to learn from us and follow our lead in the years ahead."

The council was also shortlisted at the APSE awards for 'Council of the Year', for 'Best Service Team Housing & Construction' and for 'Best commercialisation and Entrepreneurship initiative'.

Cllr Lewis said: "Being shortlisted in four categories at the awards reflect Swansea's commitment to implementing innovative ideas, and excellence in public service delivery across a range of frontline services.

"It was the second time in recent years we have been nominated for Council of the Year award and goes a long way to illustrate our continued efforts to maintain the highest standards we can across the Council and for everyone in the city to benefit from our hard work.

"It's important to also recognise that the award and nominations came at a time when councils around the country have had to deal with the added pressures the pandemic has brought with it and throughout this we have been able to continue providing high quality services.

"These are great achievements and they're ones we're immensely proud of."