SOUTHAMPTON City Council has announced a major £4million refurbishment is to take place at Canberra Towers.

A recognisable landmark overlooking Southampton Water, and one of the city’s tallest buildings, the council-owned block is home to 144 households.

It was built in the 1960s and has long been identified as requiring urgent refurbishment, according to the council.

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Claire Edgar, Executive Director Wellbeing and Housing at Southampton City Council, said: “This is fantastic news for Canberra Towers residents, particularly with rising energy bills continuing to affect so many.

"These works will improve the appearance of Canberra Towers, giving residents more pride in the homes, help households stay warm, and support our plan for making Southampton a greener and more sustainable city.”

The council said it would match the £2million provided by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, from its Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund, to carry out the works.

The improvements include external wall insulation, replacement windows and an insulated roof, which the council claimed would 'make homes warmer and more energy efficient, reduce the building’s carbon emissions and improve its energy performance, tackle fuel poverty locally and support green jobs'.

The cladding used on Grenfell Tower was banned by the Government last year. The Echo has asked Southampton City Council what material the external wall insulation will be made of.

This latest news follows around £2million of city council investment in fire safety measures at Canberra Towers, with the block benefitting from sprinkler systems, new fire doors and communal doors, improved signage, and fire-stopping measures between flats in recent years.

Once planning permission has been secured, the council will look to appoint a contractor with a view to starting work on site in early 2024.

Canberra Towers residents will be invited to an in-person event to find out more about the project in due course, the council said.

Lord Callanan, Minister for Energy Efficiency and Green Finance, said: “This investment will help thousands of households to heat their homes for less, keep them warm for longer and could save hundreds on their annual energy bill. The green energy sector is growing, and this funding will support green jobs and provide the training needed to deliver these vital upgrades to homes.”