Y Block Residential Flats
The Y Block towers in Birmingham are a group of six 6-storey residential buildings forming part of a wider eleven-block regeneration programme led by Birmingham City Council. Appointed by Equans, Central Group undertook the full liquid refurbishment of these occupied high-rise blocks to improve waterproofing, drainage, and thermal efficiency while ensuring minimal disruption to residents.
- Client
- Equans
- Timescale
- 8 months
- Date
- November 2025
- Budget
- £2.4m
- Project Manager
- Jon Price , Birmingham
- Project Location
- Birmingham
After
Before
task
The works were carried out on fully occupied buildings in a live, high-rise environment. Daily coordination with telecoms providers, EWI contractors, and scaffold teams ensured system compatibility and safe sequencing. Shared access constraints, including a single goods lift and limited compound space, were mitigated through just-in-time deliveries and structured booking systems. Antisocial behaviour in the area prompted increased security and the appointment of a Tenant Liaison Officer, which helped maintain resident engagement and programme momentum. Despite these complexities, all six towers were completed on time, defect-free, and with high satisfaction from all stakeholders.
approach
Central carried out a liquid refurbishment of over 4,000m² high-performance Alumasc Caltech UV cold-applied liquid waterproofing across the six towers, working closely with manufacturers and stakeholders to deliver a flame-free, fully bonded, seamless system backed by a 25-year warranty. A warm roof build-up was used on all towers, incorporating tapered PIR insulation to optimise drainage and thermal performance. Each tower received GRP outlets, metal perimeter fascias, and lightning protection pads. On Ledbury House, a phased mast removal and reinstatement programme was executed using cranes and protective ground matting. Where cabling could not be removed, a three-layer liquid system with flat board insulation was applied around active services.
solution
The project delivered visibly improved, technically robust roofs with enhanced safety, energy efficiency, and visual consistency. The mid-grey liquid membrane provided a clean architectural finish seen from both ground and aerial viewpoints, contributing to the wider estate’s regeneration. Internally, drainage issues and cold bridging were eliminated, improving comfort for residents. The finished works now meet modern standards for safety, aesthetics, and environmental performance and integrate seamlessly with wider façade upgrades across the estate.