A city high-rise that residents have described as being 'very cold' and like a 'prison' has been the subject of plans to improve the building. Colwick Woods Court in Sneinton has been criticised by residents after Nottingham City Homes, which manages the large block, applied for planning permission for a £2.5 million transformation of the 16-storey building.
A man in his 70s, who lived in the block and did not want to be named, told Nottinghamshire Live that he felt like a prisoner and claimed the building was cold and in a poor state. "Once you get in there you can never get out - once you are moved here you are a prisoner. It's very cold with big gaps in windows and doors," He said.
"The balconies have gaps in them as well, about an inch big. Some renovation? I reckon they should knock it all down - inside is just as bad. Half the time the lift is not working. I am 12-storeys up so sometimes I just sleep in my car."
Nottingham City Homes manages around 27,000 homes in the city of Nottingham on behalf of Nottingham City Council. Colwick Woods Court contains 90 flats and was built in the 1960s.
Amanda, who lives in the block, said that the "very dated" building gave people a false impression about the community inside the tower. "It's very dated inside. There are paper thin walls and you can hear everyone and everything.
"It's 15 storeys and the lift is broken a lot, you have elderly and disabled people living here who need that. If I didn't have my partner it would be a struggle with a pram if I lived higher up. Everyone gets on, it looks very bad but all the people are good. People assume everyone is a drug addict or something but don't judge a book by it's cover."
Another resident, who had just moved into the tower and wished to remain anonymous, added: "I am new to it, but it is very old inside too and looks bad from here."
Nottingham City Homes said it is aware of resident concerns and wanted to provide all tenants with "a good quality home and neighbourhood to live in". The recently submitted plans include externally renovating the building with external insulation, including new windows, doors and enclosed winter garden balconies.
A Nottingham City Homes spokesperson said: “We’re aware of the concerns of residents at Colwick Woods Court, and we want to provide all our tenants with a good quality home and neighbourhood to live in, which is why we’re looking forward to delivering the £2.5m+ improvement project at the flats. We’re currently seeking a contractor partner to support the transformation of the block, and have also been successful in a bid for Social Housing Decarbonisation funding to enhance energy efficiency and reduce fuel bills for residents.
“We’ll be speaking to residents about how they can have input into the improvement plans over the coming months.” The planning application is currently pending consideration by Nottingham City Council.
