Creating Spaces That Feel Like Home – Our Work at Friendship House, Portsmouth
At Morgan Sindall Property Services (MSPS), we’re committed to delivering high-quality improvement works that make a real difference to residents’ day-to-day lives. Our recent work at Friendship House, a sheltered housing scheme owned by The Guinness Partnership in Portsmouth, is a perfect example of this in action.
Over the past few months, we’ve transformed the communal spaces at Friendship House through a programme of improvement works designed with, and for, the residents who call it home. The project included:
- Full communal lounge refurbishment
- Laundry room upgrade
- Communal carpets and redecoration across all floors
The project put residents at the heart of every decision and has been a shared journey with them every step of the way.
Resident-Led Design
Before any work began, we hosted a dedicated consultation event to involve residents in key design decisions. Each floor’s new colour scheme, as well as the refreshed lounge palette, was chosen through a majority vote, ensuring that the final look reflected the tastes and preferences of the people who live there.
We continued this two-way conversation with coffee mornings held throughout the project, giving residents a space to ask questions, raise concerns, and hear updates directly from our team.
Inclusive Communication
With a significant proportion of the Friendship House community speaking Cantonese as a first language, we ensured one of our resident liaison officers who speaks the language fluently was available to provide verbal translation, removing barriers and ensuring every resident could engage with confidence and clarity.
Resident Engagement Day
To mark the completion of the works and celebrate our partnership with Friendship House, we hosted a resident engagement day on the 19 th of July, bringing residents, colleagues, and community partners together. It was a chance to bring everyone together, showcase the improvements, and thank residents for their involvement and support throughout the project.
Strong Collaboration
We worked closely with the on-site Friendship House scheme manager, coordinating closely to ensure the smooth delivery of works, minimise disruption, and maintain open lines of communication throughout.
Carol Taylor, Senior Project Delivery Manager at The Guinness Partnership said: “This project has transformed Friendship House and through collaboration and perseverance, we achieved a high standard of finish. The residents’ involvement in selecting the colour schemes designed by Devon Interiors for our Housing for Older People schemes brought a personal touch, and the refreshed lounge and guest room have made a real difference. I’m proud of the teamwork and quality workmanship that brought back vitality to the block.”
Mike Hackett, Partnerships Director, Morgan Sindall Property Services said: “Friendship House is a great example of what can be achieved when we work closely with our clients and residents. By listening, collaborating and delivering with care, we’ve not only improved the but helped strengthen the sense of community. We’re proud to support the Guinness Partnership in creating homes people feel proud to live in.”
Carol Shiel, Resident at Friendship House said: “I would just like to say the operatives from start to finish who delivered the works have been first class. The results have been amazing, and they have all been very helpful and respectful. Thank you all.”
From beginning to end, our approach at Friendship House has been built on trust, collaboration, and respect for the people who live there. It’s more than just refurbishment, it’s about creating safe, inclusive, and uplifting environments where people feel proud to live.
For more information, please email Communications@morgansindall.com
