Regeneration experts toast the 'green, green grass of home'

Published by Ben L for IPB Communications in Housing and also in Communities, Local Government

Workmen have sampled an advance taste of life at one of Sheffield’s greenest housing schemes – with a lunch on the building’s green roof.

Social housing and regeneration specialists Bramall Construction are in the final stages of completing an innovative housing scheme for people aged 55 and over in Jordanthorpe, Sheffield.

White Willows in Dyche Road is being developed for South Yorkshire Housing Association in conjunction with Sheffield City Council and will include a roof laid with grass, solar panels and other environmentally-conscious measures. When complete, the green roof will absorb extra rainwater and create a thriving habitat for local insects and birds.

The £7 million scheme is set to become only the second development of its type in the country to achieve an ‘excellent’ rating from the national environmental organisation BRE for the sustainability features that have been included in its development.

And the team from Bramall made use of the surroundings when they went on the roof for some lunch recently.

Paul Heath, contracts manager at Bramall said: “We’ve been working hard for the last few months to ensure that this scheme raises the bar in meeting the need for quality, environmentally sustainable housing for Sheffield’s older people. Our partners have made it clear from the start that this was needed for the city.

“The green roof is certainly one of those elements that will give the partners and tenants what they are looking for. We are proud to have been involved in delivering such an innovative scheme for Sheffield.”

The community-led scheme will include 60 self-contained apartments, with 45 available for rent from SYHA and the remaining 15 offered for shared ownership and outright sale from Crucible Homes. White Willows will also include a shop, hairdresser, bar, IT rooms, a communal lounge, a restaurant and a coffee lounge.

Crucially, this scheme will also provide tenants with the round-the-clock support and specialist adaptations to allow tenants to lead independent lives. These include assisted baths and showers, level access throughout the building and a call system linked to in-house wardens.

Bramall was awarded the scheme after winning a ‘quality of design’ competition held by Sheffield City Council last year. Building work is expected to be complete in November.

Tony Stacey, SYHA Chief Executive, said: “We’re delighted with the progress that’s been made on this development, which we believe will be one of the leading buildings of its type in the country, which was our ambition for the scheme before work started on it.

“The big test of approval however will be from the tenants – and we are looking forward to hearing their views when they move into the building.”