Jephson provides affordable housing boost for Hertfordshire market town » Housing » 24dash.com

Work is nearing completion on two major affordable housing developments in the Hertfordshire market town of Hitchin.

Jephson Homes Housing Association has worked with local developer Stephen Howard Homes, North Hertfordshire District Council and the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) on the schemes at Grove Road and Brookers/Coopers Yard, Bucklersbury.

It means a £2.6 million boost for affordable housing in the town despite the economic difficulties being experienced up and down the country.

The HCA has provided £500,000 for Brookers/Coopers Yard and £340,000 for Grove Road, while the local authority provided £1 million and £800,000 respectively.

Interest has been high due to the enviable location with only two shared ownership apartments now remaining at Riverside Walk and five at Brookers/Coopers Yard.

It is thought the first people will now start to move into the new affordable homes around Christmas.

Judith Blackwell, Sales and Marketing Officer for Jephson’s East region, said: “The developments are absolutely lovely. They are in the historic market town of Hitchin and are proving extremely popular with local people and commuters into London.

“Many people simply cannot afford the high property prices so it is extremely important to be able to provide affordable housing in this desired location. There is a real cosmopolitan feel to the developments and they benefit from a fantastic location with excellent facilities on the doorstep.

"Work slowed down because of the economic difficulties being experienced across the country but it really is a case of it being full steam ahead once again and we are looking forward to welcoming the first people to their new homes.”

Brookers/Coopers Yard is a courtyard development on a two-acre site in the heart of the picturesque town.  It is centred around a new pedestrian street between Paynes Park and Bucklersbury and has Market Square, with its cobbled courtyard and array of coffee shops, right on its doorstep.

As part of the development, the historic Carling Building, a former Edwardian printing works, has been sympathetically converted and six new buildings have been created.

There is also secure allocated underground car parking and some apartments have balconies/French doors opening onto a fenced patio area.

Jephson has 13 two-bedroom contemporary apartments on the site, which include en-suite facilities to the master bedrooms. They are available to buy through the New Build HomeBuy shared ownership scheme.

Riverside Walk, in Grove Road, is located on the edge of the River Purwell and Jephson has six two-bedroom apartments available to buy for as little as a 25 per cent share.

The development is within walking distance of the town centre and has attracted high levels of interest due to its riverside location.

Prices on available properties are available on request from Judith Blackwell on 01908 326400 or by emailing judith.blackwell@jephson.org.uk