Genesis Housing Group, working with Durkan Limited and architects Stock Woolstencroft, has completed the major refurbishment of two 150-year-old social housing blocks known as New Court in Hampstead, North London. Punk rockers Sid Vicious, Johnny Rotten and Boy George once lived in this second-oldest social housing development in the UK.

The Grade II listed buildings had never been fully refurbished before and were nearly demolished twice due to their poor condition.

Durkan began renovating the 40 apartments on behalf of the Genesis Housing Group in 2005. Now fully refurbished, they meet the Decent Homes Standard.

As each apartment was stripped back to its original walls, some were found to still include Victorian-style kitchen-bathrooms with kitchen worktops - unhygienically placed over baths and toilets.

Genesis Housing Group and Durkan workedclosely with heritage and conservation officers to save as many original features. These included doors, windows, cantilevered staircases with iron balusters and open fireplaces. Secondary double glazing was fitted to refurbished wooden sash windows rather than installing modern UPVC replacements while separate kitchens and bathrooms were fitted in each apartment. Externally, brickwork was cleaned and repointed, signage was repaired and grounds were landscaped.

Renovating New Courtpresented a challenge as it sits behind Hampstead High Street, only accessible through pedestrian alleyways. To overcome the difficulties of this landlocked site, and in keeping with its Victorian heritage, the Durkan team transported building material to and from the blocks using wheelbarrows.

John Hughes, Deputy Director of Development at Genesis Housing Group, says 'Genesis Housing Group is delighted with Durkans' renovation work on the New Courtflats. Neglected until now, this development sees two of the UK's earliest-surviving tenement blocks, built for the working classes, successfully translated into prestigious 21st Century homes.'

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For further information about Genesis Housing Group, or images, contact Diana Evans on 020 8150 4178, email diana.evans@ghg.org.uk or visit www.ghg.org.uk

For further information about Durkan, please contact Victoria Christen on 01992 781525 or email victoria.christen@durkan.co.uk or visit www.durkan.co.uk

Notes to Editors

The original block predates the foundation of the Peabody Trust and the Improved Industrial Dwelling Company, the most prolific providers of housing for the poor in the late 19th Century.

The development is described as the second oldest social housing development in the country. Both properties required urgent remedial works to address the structural condition and upgrade the properties to meet Decent Homes Standards.

The residents of New Court have always been committed to its preservation. It was the residents themselves who saved the building by getting it listed when a demolition order was placed on it in 1986. Many residents have renovated their own flats taking care to preserve what original features remain such as cupboards, fireplaces, and so on. The residents have also taken an interest in the external works and gardens which have had new pathways and grassed areas and plants.

Prior to Genesis Housing Group acquiring the property it was owned by Camden Council and managed by Pathmeads.

As well as the works to the properties to bring them to Decent Homes standards, the 40 units were in part remodelled to provide units of a size more suited to today's requirements and the final mix is as follows:

18 x 1 bed (2 person) flats

6 x 2 bed (3 person) flats

5 x 3 bed (5 person) flats