Alpha tower undergoes £2m makeover
A former ‘Jackblock’ tower in Coventry has had a £2.3m facelift. Alpha House, a 17-storey block, had new aluminium cladding and double glazed windows fitted using a new construction method.
The project was completed by community regeneration specialist Frank Haslam Milan (FHM) and the Whitefriars Housing Group, a not-for-profit housing and regeneration organisation.
During the redevelopment, FHM left the original structure intact and built a shell of cladding around it. The new windows were fitted also from the outside. It is the first time the association has used this method of construction.
The tower was one of the first "Jackblock" towers created in the UK – whereby each floor is constructed at ground level and then jacked up to full storey height.
Richard Osborne, director of property services at Whitefriars Housing Group, said: “The Alpha House redevelopment project has seen huge improvements for residents and the local community. The new exterior of the building has seen some interesting techniques used by Frank Haslam Milan’s sub contractor, D + B, and this has meant minimum disruption for tenants.”
Managing director of Frank Haslam Milan, Fraser Mercer, added: “Alpha House embodies a lot of history as architecturally it was very innovative when it was first built, so we are delighted to have been able to play a part in its conservation."
