Chaucer House was unveiled last week in an event to celebrate a significant landmark for
social housing in the borough as part of Sutton Housing Partnership’s Decent Homes
Programme.
Councillor Richard Clifton, the Mayor of Sutton, officially marked the end of the works at
Chaucer House along with Sutton Housing Partnership, contractor Mulalley, consultant
Pellings, the London Borough of Sutton and residents, following extensive improvement
works.
Sutton’s largest and most complex investment project to date came to a close in October,
with the 1960s neglected block receiving substantial refurbishment, delivered by Sutton
Housing Partnership on behalf of the London Borough of Sutton.
The £13 million milestone project, is one of the first of its kind in UK social housing to
install state-of-the art fire safety systems in the building and innovative sprinkler systems
installed in every home designed to improve fire safety.
Additionally and during the 3 year programme, all 96 homes have benefitted from new
kitchens and bathrooms, heating systems, electrical rewiring, external cladding, windows
and new lifts being installed.
The building’s new external cladding system is designed to significantly improve energy
efficiency and environmental performance of the building, reducing utility bills, a priority
for all households.
The energy rating at Chaucer House has been increased by approximately 25% from the
original structure completed in the 1960s. The estimated annual carbon emission for a 2
bedroom flat has been almost halved. This is a reduction from 2,889kg in 1965 to 1,531kg
today, which is a substantial difference.
Additionally, a number of developments that will enhance the external environment and
community life are being installed, such as a new recycling zone and improving parking
areas.
From the beginning of the works, Sutton Housing Partnership and contractors have
worked with residents through dedicated Resident Liaison teams, to consult and involve
them in decision making throughout the project.

The event held at Chaucer House celebrated the close of works and the displayed
partnership working between Sutton Housing Partnership, the London Borough of Sutton,
Pellings, Mulalley and their sub-contractors. The Mayor of Sutton personally thanked the
involvement and patience of the residents that have lived there whilst the major works
were carried out.
The event started with Councillors and The Mayor of Sutton, taking a tour of the internal
and externals works, including viewing a resident’s property, before half term activities for
children and residents proceeded.
The Mayor of Sutton, Councillor Richard Clifton said:
“I am delighted to say I am the Mayor of a london borough that has been responsible for leading
the way in providing innovative fire safety systems for our residents in every Chaucer House
home. I am proud that Sutton Housing Partnership, The London Borough of Sutton, Pellings and
Mulalley, all put residents’ safety at the forefront of the works. I would like to congratulate Sutton
Housing Partnership in their 10th anniversary year and I’d particularly like to pay tribute to all of
those involved in working together to create a superb refurbishment. What has been achieved is
outstanding.”

Andrew Taylor, Chief Executive of SHP said:
“We are proud to celebrate the close of works at Chaucer House, with this event showcasing the
significant investment the project has brought to Sutton and to each home at Chaucer House.
This project has not been without its difficulties and challenges, with many lessons being learnt
along the way. It remains the most complex project of the Decent Homes programme, but I’m
sure we would agree that the final outcome is cause for celebration. SHP has a strong
working partnership with Mulalley and the quality of works being delivered is reflected in
residents’ satisfactions with works completed.”