Leeds council to spend £1.35m fixing failing heating at two high-rise blocks
The work needs to be carried out to keep residents warm
Failing heating systems at two high-rise blocks will be fixed at a cost to the council of more than £1.3million.
Leeds City Council said work was needed at Potternewton Heights in Chapel Allerton and Holborn Towers, Woodhouse, to prevent residents from going cold this winter.
A council report said the company which originally installed air source heat pumps at the flats had gone into administration.
Clade Engineering Systems would be contracted to carry out the repair works for £1.35m.
The report said: “The current systems are at risk of failure, particularly during winter periods, and intervention is required to maintain safe and reliable heating provision for residents.”
The heating systems were installed in six high-rise blocks: Grayson Crest, Queensview, Holborn Towers, Marlborough Towers, Potternewton Heights and Whincover Grange.
Repairs had already been carried out at the Grayson Crest and Queensview blocks.
The report said: “The design and installation of these systems was carried out by Cenergist Ltd, who have since gone into administration.
“Clade, as a sub-contractor to Cenergist, supplied the existing heat pumps to the Cenergist design.”
Temporary repairs could be carried out for around £20,000 per year, the report said, but with no guarantee of success.
It said: “In addition to the repair costs, temporary boilers, hire and fuel costs are estimated at £12,000 per month, creating ongoing revenue pressure.
“Given the lack of a suitable repair solution, replacement works will be required at some point regardless, due to fundamental design deficiencies in the original installation.
“Proceeding now avoids duplicated spending and further significant disruption for residents.”
The decision to allocate repair funds is out for consultation and subject to “call-in”, meaning it could be challenged by councillors.
But the report said: “This proposal will ensure that heating systems at Potternewton Heights and Holborn Towers operate effectively, delivering consistent and reliable heat to residents.
“It will reduce dependence on temporary heating solutions and avoid escalating operational costs.”