An event focusing on safety at one of Newcastle’s tallest buildings gave tenants the opportunity to learn more about an extensive package of measures to keep them safe in their homes.
Colleagues from Bernicia’s housing services, compliance and customer engagement teams met with tenants who live in Northumbria Lodge, Cowgate, for their annual get together to talk about all things safety.
The 125ft tall building with 48 flats on the northern edge of the city is managed by Bernicia and is home to scores of tenants.
Colleagues took time to sit down with tenants to see if they feel safe in their homes, explain the work being done to keep them safe, and the requirements on them to maintain a safe home.
Wardi Mohamed, 39, (pictured) who has lived in Northumbria Lodge for 14 years, said: “It’s lovely and quiet and I don’t get any bother at all. It’s clean and safe.
“The safety event gives us the chance to find out more about what Bernicia are doing to keep us safe.”
Recent safety work at Northumbria Lodge includes retrofit fire sprinkler work, plans to replace some internal fire doors, fire compartmentation works in flats, a new door entry system and communal rewire.
Amber Welsh, Bernicia Assistant Director Compliance, said: “The event is all about ensuring tenants feel heard, involved, and informed, and are confident that we are meeting all of our regulatory requirements.
“Tenants continue to engage with the event year after year and tell us they feel safe. They understand the safety work we are carrying out at Northumbria Lodge and know how to report any concerns, raise questions, and provide feedback.
“The event gives us the opportunity to have meaningful conversations with tenants about building safety, listen to their views and ensure they can influence the decisions and services that affect their homes.
“All of our communications are designed by tenants, for tenants, based on how they have told us they prefer us to make contact and share information. This helps us make sure the information we provide is accessible, relevant, and easy to understand.
“We also talked about the Northumbria Lodge page on our website, which has been developed with tenants. This provides residents with easy access to important information about Northumbria Lodge, including building and home safety information, and details of how they can raise questions, provide feedback and report concerns.
“Tenants told us they appreciate the investment we make in keeping them safe and improving their homes. Recent enhancements, such as the new lobby door entry system, provide fob access and enhanced privacy settings, giving residents greater control over who can contact them and when.”
Bernicia invested £450,000 in a recently completed full communal rewire of Northumbria Lodge, upgrading lights and door entry systems throughout the building.
Up North Group was the principal contractor on the project with Leanne Beirne of BTP Architects helping Bernicia through the delivery process.
“The works allow tenants to see who is knocking on the main door trying to gain access to the building,” said Kris Pedersen, Bernicia Commercial and Programme Manager.
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