Progress Housing Group has completed the first phase of a retrofit programme in Lancashire, which aims to bring low-carbon heating and energy efficiency upgrades to social homes.
The group has worked with Green Grant Installs (GGI) and Mitsubishi Electric to install heating upgrades in 58 properties in Ilkley Avenue and Gisburn Avenue, in Lytham St Annes. The upgrades consist of air source heat pumps, solar panels, insulation and ventilation.
According to a statement, Progress Housing Group invested in this initiative and the government’s Department for Energy Security and Net Zero’s Warm Homes Social Housing Fund Wave 3 provided funding support. This was secured via the group’s strategic partnership with Liverpool City Region Combined Authority (LCRCA), which is part of a wider North-West Consortium.
The statement added that Mitsubishi Electric’s proactive approach and provision of advanced, quieter air source heat pumps were instrumental in meeting regulatory requirements and mitigating noise concerns. This enabled Progress Housing Group to obtain planning permission and proceed without delay.
As a result of this collaborative effort, the programme was delivered on schedule, meeting the first-year grant funding deadline of 31 March 2026.
Kate Hudson, head of strategic asset management at Progress Housing Group, said: “The grant has been essential in facilitating this important upgrade, delivering tangible benefits for our tenants. The collaboration with Mitsubishi Electric and our contractors was vital in securing planning permission and ensuring timely completion. We look forward to building on these partnerships in the next phase.”
Tenants have reported improvements in comfort and energy affordability following the upgrades.
Janet Nevin, who lives in a one-bedroom bungalow, said that she has noticed her energy bill reduce as she has been able to switch to a lower tariff.
She added: “It’s warm as soon as you walk through the front door. Absolutely brilliant, you can’t fault it. I’ve also noticed a difference in my energy bill.”
The statement added that GGI has also made a commitment to social value. This has included donations to local food banks, provision of tenant care packages, employment support courses and apprenticeship opportunities.
James Chaplen, head of product marketing and communications at Mitsubishi Electric, said: “Projects such as this demonstrate the important role heat pump technology can play in decarbonising social housing while improving outcomes for residents.
“Collaboration across the supply chain is essential to delivering successful retrofit programmes at scale. By working closely with housing providers and installers, we can help ensure heat pump systems are designed and delivered to meet the needs of both residents and the built environment.”
The team at Progress Housing Group has now started work on the next phase, which will see upgrades to 61 properties in South Hey, Lytham St Annes.