NEWPORT City Homes (NCH) is to spend in the region of £10 million refurbishing its three tower blocks.

Preparation work on Greenwood in St Julians, Hillview in Gaer and Ringland’s Milton Court will begin this month.

The project will be carried out in stages over a two year time span as NCH tries to minimise the disruption to residents.

Each block contains 82 flats, but some are currently unoccupied.

Flats will get double glazed windows, new electric heating systems will be installed and electric panel radiators will improve the energy efficiency of all homes.

The layout of flats will also change to give the best use of space and will see bathrooms, bedrooms and lounges accessed from the hallways.

Tenants will also get new kitchens and bathrooms.

They can choose from four designs picking out everything from the floor finish to the wall tiles.

But externally the three tower blocks built decades ago will be transformed with new roofs and cladding which is designed to improve the buildings’ insulation.

The work, which already has planning permission, is being completed to bring homes up to Welsh housing quality standards.

As well as the flats, communal areas will get a fresh lick of paint and security will be improved with new door entry systems.

Contractor Wates Living Spaces (Wates) has been appointed and will be at each block for at least nine to 12 months.

Car parking facilities will be out of bounds as work takes place.

NCH has appointed a liaison officer for each tower block so residents will have access to information and support during the whole term of the refurbishment work.

In coming weeks all residents will be visited and will receive full details on the project, including the possibility of a temporary home move if needed, as work is carried out.

A show flat will soon be open in each block so tenants can see what their home could look like.

For more information visit newportcityhomes.com or visit channel 624 on your local digi-tv service.