Hobson & Porter, Innovation based on tradition

Local resident Dave O Loughlin and finishing foreman Sean Parker working for Hobson & Porter in Alliance Avenue

Hull-based building contractor Hobson and Porter will start work this week on Gateway's £2 million scheme to give over 400 city homes an external facelift.

The scheme involving homes on Alliance Avenue, Carew Street and part of De La Pole Avenue is a major boost for the company, which employs 120 people - 96% of them from Hull and the surrounding area. Hobson and Porter has already carried out the successful refurbishment of homes in another three streets in Newington and St. Andrew's, but thanks to the new scheme has secured existing jobs and created three new ones.

The facelift is designed to bring back some of the original Victorian character to the streets is part of a long term plan to regenerate Newington and St Andrew's being delivered by Gateway, the regeneration agency.

Properties will benefit from a variety of frontage improvements including new boundary walls, gates, railings, fascias, gutters, footpaths, repairs to timber doors and windows, render, brick work and general external redecoration. Gateway is funding 100% of the work.

Dave Watson, Managing Director at Hobson and Porter said: "Employing local people and working on local projects is very important, particularly in this challenging time for the building industry. We are delighted to be involved in this scheme and are proud of our continued association with Gateway"

Newington and St. Andrew's resident Dave O'Loughlin, is one of team who will be working to renovate the properties. He said: "I'm really pleased to be working on a project which will have a real impact on my area and I look forward to seeing it transformed in the future"

Chief Executive of Gateway, Janet Whipps, said: "Over 500 homes have already received frontage improvements and this has had a really positive impact on the appearance of the area. This next phase shows our commitment to transforming Newington and St Andrew's into a place where people will choose to live".

Councillor Allen Healand, Hull City Council portfolio holder for Housing, added: "I am delighted that Gateway is part of the local response and that it is demonstrating its commitment to local jobs in these difficult times for the building industry"

Residents were consulted on the proposed works at an event in September 2008. Over 275 properties have already signed up to take part in the scheme. Hobson and Porter recently completed over 370 refurbishments to homes on Plane Street, St George's Road and Sandringham Street.