Much Needed Family Homes coming to Barnet soon

Home, one of the UK’s largest providers of affordable housing, has been chosen by London Borough of Barnet to re-develop a neglected site in Long Lane, Barnet, north London.

Home hosted an event recently to celebrate the official start on site. The Mayor of Barnet, Councillor Brian Coleman, was in attendance along with key representatives from Home, contractors Galliford Try and Barnet Council.

When complete the scheme will provide six family homes, one of which will be specially adapted for wheel chair use. The scheme is costing just under £2 million including funding from Barnet Council.

All homes will be available for rent and will be allocated to local people currently on the councils housing list. Family homes, especially those adapted for wheel chair users are much needed in the borough.

Home is a member of the Construction Training Initiative Partnership, which provides opportunities for people to gain skills in the construction trade. Local residents in Barnet now have an opportunity to work on-site at Long Lane, alongside qualified builders and engineers. They will also have an opportunity to study for an industry recognised NVQ Level 2 qualification. Plus, there are also funds available to pay one trainee a salary for 30 weeks.

Jonathan Higgs, Managing Director for Home’s south region says: “Not only are we revitalising this part of Barnet by providing much needed homes, we are also giving local people an opportunity to learn a skill for life through the Construction Training Initiative Partnership.

“Across the country, Home is regarded as a preferred partner by local authorities because of its approach to building communities where people want to live and of which they are proud. We know that the way we go about designing and building new homes, is the important first step in making sure they end up as successful communities.”

Home was selected by London Borough of Barnet because of its successful track record in re-developing similar schemes. Home also has specialist skills in consulting with residents on homes that need to be modified to suit those with disabilities. Barnet was also impressed by Home’s ‘eco’ development at nearby Hillside that features grass (sedum) roofs and other high level energy saving features.

Cllr Richard Cornelius, Barnet’s Cabinet member for Community Services said:
“These new homes will be a very welcome addition to the affordable housing which is available in the Borough. The development is very timely because we do not have sufficient large family houses of this size. It is also pleasing that one of them will provide wheelchair access in line with our aim of promoting independence.”

The scheme is due to complete next summer.

About Home:

Home is one of the UK’s leading providers of affordable and supported housing, and is committed to providing affordable homes, neighbourhoods where people want to live and support to those who need it.

The organisation, which has a turnover of £270m, manages over 52,000 homes throughout England and Scotland and employs 4000 staff in more than 80 offices.

Home manages nearly 15,000 properties in its south east region through a network of fourteen regional offices. Home manages 694 properties in the London Borough of Barnet, through a local office at the Douglas Bader Park estate in Hendon.

www.homegroup.org.uk