Riverside’s £72 million retrofit programme aims to significantly upgrade social housing energy efficiency

Liverpool-based Riverside has launched a £72 million retrofit initiative supported by government funds, targeting over 3,000 homes across the UK to improve energy standards, reduce fuel poverty, and support the transition to sustainable housing by 2030.

Liverpool-based housing group Riverside has launched an ambitious £72 million retrofit programme designed to enhance the energy efficiency of more than 3,000 homes across several UK regions, including Liverpool, Halton, Carlisle, the Langley estate in Middleton, and Enfield in London. The project is supported by £36 million from the Government’s Warm Homes Social Housing Fund (Wave 3), with Riverside providing matched funding to deliver a range of home improvements. These include cavity wall insulation, solar panel installations, roof modifications, external wall insulation, double glazing, and new doors—all aimed at achieving Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) Band C standards. The works are expected to commence in early October.

This latest initiative follows Riverside’s prior successes under Wave 2.1 of the retrofit programme, which received £26 million in funding and brought energy efficiency upgrades to over 1,000 homes in the same areas, with WPS, part of The Wates Group, continuing as the main contractor. Riverside’s chief property officer, Ian Gregg, emphasised the programme’s significance, stating that it marked a “major step” toward the group’s goal of ensuring all homes meet energy efficiency targets by 2030. Gregg highlighted the direct benefits to residents, including warmer, more comfortable homes with reduced energy bills, addressing issues of fuel poverty.

The retrofit partnership also aligns with broader governmental objectives under the Warm Homes: Social Housing Fund Wave 3, a £1.29 billion programme running from 2025 to 2028, designed to upgrade social housing properties across England to meet EPC Band C standards. The government fund supports energy efficiency measures to reduce carbon emissions, tackle fuel poverty, and improve tenant well-being. Wave 3 has allocated funding across 144 projects, combining strategic partnerships and challenge fund initiatives, as part of the UK’s commitment to decarbonise social housing and promote sustainable living environments.

WPS executive managing director David Morgan noted that the programme’s impact extends beyond building improvements, emphasising the social and economic benefits of warmer, more affordable homes. According to Morgan, the upgrades will foster better health outcomes and help residents thrive while supporting Riverside’s net-zero goals. The initiative will also create opportunities for local employment and community engagement, reinforcing the social value of large-scale retrofit work.

Other social housing providers are similarly capitalising on the Warm Homes fund. For example, Progress Housing Group has secured over £3 million in grants to invest in over 400 energy-efficient homes within the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority consortium. Additionally, Lincolnshire Housing Partnership has been allocated more than £5 million in funding, matching this amount to deliver a £10 million investment targeting similar energy-saving improvements. These projects, running through to 2028, reflect a sector-wide commitment to elevating housing standards, reducing carbon footprints, and tackling fuel poverty at scale.

This widespread adoption of retrofit programmes across diverse regions highlights the growing recognition of the importance of energy-efficient housing in achieving national climate and social goals. By building on previous retrofit successes and increasing the scale of investments, housing associations like Riverside are positioning themselves at the forefront of the transition to a more sustainable and affordable housing future.

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Source: Noah Wire Services

Noah Fact Check Pro

The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.

Freshness check

Score:
9

Notes:
The narrative is recent, published on 19 September 2025. The £72 million retrofit programme is a new initiative, with work expected to commence in early October 2025. This follows Riverside’s previous £26 million project under Wave 2.1, which upgraded over 1,000 homes. ([thebusinessdesk.com](https://www.thebusinessdesk.com/northwest/news/2149023-72m-investment-will-make-thousands-of-homes-warmer-and-greener?utm_source=openai)) The report is not recycled content and provides updated information on Riverside’s ongoing efforts.

Quotes check

Score:
10

Notes:
Direct quotes from Riverside’s chief property officer, Ian Gregg, and WPS’s executive managing director, David Morgan, are included. These quotes are consistent with their previous statements in related reports. ([thebusinessdesk.com](https://www.thebusinessdesk.com/northwest/news/2149023-72m-investment-will-make-thousands-of-homes-warmer-and-greener?utm_source=openai)) No discrepancies or variations in wording were found, indicating the quotes are accurately attributed.

Source reliability

Score:
8

Notes:
The narrative originates from TheBusinessDesk.com, a regional business news outlet. While it is a reputable source for regional news, it may not have the same global recognition as national outlets like the BBC or Reuters. The information aligns with Riverside’s official communications and other reputable sources. ([riverside.org.uk](https://www.riverside.org.uk/over-3000-homes-to-benefit-from-energy-efficiency-upgrades/?utm_source=openai))

Plausability check

Score:
9

Notes:
The claims about Riverside’s £72 million retrofit programme are plausible and supported by multiple sources. The programme aims to improve energy efficiency in over 3,000 homes across various UK regions, with work expected to begin in early October 2025. ([thebusinessdesk.com](https://www.thebusinessdesk.com/northwest/news/2149023-72m-investment-will-make-thousands-of-homes-warmer-and-greener?utm_source=openai)) The narrative provides specific details about the areas involved and the measures to be implemented, enhancing its credibility.

Overall assessment

Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS

Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): HIGH

Summary:
The narrative is recent, with no signs of recycled content. Quotes are accurately attributed and consistent with previous statements. The source is reliable, and the claims are plausible, supported by multiple reputable sources. No significant issues were identified, indicating a high level of credibility.