Residents of Stronge Court at Old Rectory Park, Portadown have been enjoying their new-look surroundings thanks to a £65,000 upgrade by Clanmil Housing.   

The sitting room, guest room, kitchen and laundry room along with all the entrances and hallways leading to residents’ apartments have been transformed with the investment. 

As well as new flooring and painting throughout, there is stylish new furniture, window blinds and soft furnishings.  The focal point of the newly-designed sitting room is the wood-paneled chimney breast. New French doors provide lots of light and ventilation and provide access to the updated patio area with seating and raised planters for residents to enjoy in warmer weather. 

The sitting room leads onto a modern kitchen with a breakfast bar, while the entrance halls and the family guest room have also had a makeover.  

Input from residents was prioritised and they were fully involved at all stages of the transformation.  

The work, which started in February 2023 was completed within 12 weeks by CTS.  

One of the residents of Stronge Court, David Bartholomew, said: 

“We had an opportunity to put forward our ideas on the refurbishment and I think the work that has been done is amazing. The colour scheme is brilliant, the chairs are so much more comfortable, and the dining table is much better because more people can sit round it. The French doors bring in more light and air, which makes a big difference in warmer weather.” 

Marjorie Campbell, who has lived at the scheme for 18 years, added: 

“The sitting room is absolutely stunning and is a great place to gather and catch up with everyone.” 

Clanmil’s Director of Assets and Building Safety, Tony Giffen, commented:  

“Providing homes for people to live well is our main purpose at Clanmil, and it’s also important that we maintain homes to a high standard, which is why we invested a total of £500,000 during 2022/23 in updating properties like Stronge Court. Our team, along with residents and highly skilled contractors, have created rooms that look modern, but are also welcoming and comfortable.” 

Watch this video to see the transformation and hear from the residents