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Jul 16 - Ministry of Housing: “Proud Of Refurbishment Of Bishop Canilla House”

The Ministry for Housing says it is proud of its refurbishment programme and upgrade of housing stock with its latest project being work to refurbish Bishop Canilla House which commenced in January this year.

This block was originally completed in August 2000 but, since that time, there have been issues with water ingress and the Housing Department regularly receives reports of water ingress and damp and so it was decided to refurbish before the building fell into further disrepair.

A spokesperson said: “Accordingly, in her 2017 budget speech, the Minister for Housing, Samantha Sacramento, announced that these works would be taking place. The refurbishment works consist of an external refurbishment and complete reproofing, including the atrium, and the replacements of lifts. These works will not only improve the building aesthetically, but will also remedy the water ingress problem and will protect it from the elements in the future. The eternal refurbishment will also vastly improve the environmental footprint of the building. The Minster and senior officials from the Ministry for Housing met with the Chair of the tenants’ committee earlier this year to discuss the project and the plans.

“The replacement of lifts commenced last year. The existing passenger lift has recently been upgraded to a stretcher lift which will greatly assist medical staff during any emergencies. The refurbishment works which commenced in January this year will take just over a year and the works will be completed by February 2019. Works are on schedule and progressing well, they are monitored closely by senior management at the Housing Works Agency so that the works cause as little disruption to tenants as possible.

“Once the refurbishment is complete, the block will be upgraded to the same standard as the purpose-built accommodation for the elderly at Charles Bruzon House and Seamaster Lodge.”

The works will include:

  • the installation of external wall insulation system 

  • the replacement of all roof coverings and glass atrium 

  • improvements to the accessibility of the building to assist those with disabilities and mobility issues 

  • the replacement of all windows with double-glazing and roller blinds 

  • the enclosure of all balconies with provision for tenants to install air conditioning units 

  • the redecoration of all common areas, including the replacement of the floor tiles 

  • the installation of a sun pergola at the rear patio area 


The Minister for Housing, Samantha Sacramento, said: “Our elderly community are very important to us and we aim to restore and improve the quality of life of the residents of Bishop Canilla House by improving the environment in which they live to the highest standard. As with all refurbishment works, there may be some temporary inconvenience, but this will be short term and well worth it. Housing officials on the ground are mindful of the tenants and their needs and are monitoring the works closely to ensure that the tight schedule of works is being met with the minimum disruption to tenants. Inevitably, the works will have to straddle a summer when use of balconies will be restricted, given that part of the works have to be done in the good weather months. The remediation and refurbishment cannot be done without disruption. 
Not only will these works address the longstanding water ingress issues since the first tenants moved in, but the refurbishment will include the much-awaited replacement of existing vertical sash windows with the more user-friendly double glazed horizontal sliding windows with roller blinds. The improvements also show a commitment to continuous upkeep and regular maintenance in order that the building does not once again fall into a state of disrepair.” 


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