A phoenix rises in Braintree, Essex

A fantastic statue inspired by local residents of a ‘phoenix rising’ was unveiled recently in the grounds of a stunning new housing development at the Oaks in Braintree. Local dignitary Cllr Lady Newton revealed the new artwork at a special event to mark the occasion.

The phoenix was designed as a centre piece for new communal grounds that form part of a £9.5 million regeneration programme currently being carried out by Home, one of the UK’s largest providers of affordable housing.

The idea for a phoenix came from Home residents who moved into the Oaks last year following completion of the first phase of 32 new properties. Residents worked closely with local artist Tim Ward of Circling the Square, a company specialising in public sculpture and environmental art projects.

Home Customer, Esther Curtis, says: “The Phoenix is known for rising up from the ashes and Bailey Bridge Road has now done the same with the new homes. I was lucky to have been involved in Home’s regeneration project from the start. I moved into my new home just over a year ago and I couldn’t be happier.”

Tim Ward explains: “We held a few meetings to discuss ideas and finally decided on a stone Phoenix whose wings also function as a bird bath. I was delighted that this inspiration came not from me, but the residents. It will not only look beautiful against the newly built homes, but will also attract local wildlife and become a local landmark for the community to cherish for years to come.”

Cllr Lady Newton, Cabinet Member for Housing and Well-Being, Braintree District Council, said: “Creating more opportunities for good quality, affordable housing in our district is a high priority for the Council. It’s the icing on the cake to see residents working together to bring inspiring artworks such as here at Bailey Bridge into the heart of their local community. We wish the new residents every happiness in their new homes.”

Jonathan Higgs, Managing Director for Home South, comments: “Our development team have excelled at The Oaks, significantly increasing the number of affordable homes available whilst also creating space for the communal grounds. The Oaks offers local people a chance to join the property ladder at a desirable and affordable location with a real sense of community and charm.”

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Contact Debbie Pack, PR Officer for Home South on 020 8582 2203/07985 339551 or email: debbie.pack@homegroup.org.uk

About The Oaks:

The scheme originally comprised 32 pre-cast concrete flats built in the 1950’s.
As part of the Braintree Housing Partnership, Home was chosen by Braintree District Council to regenerate this area of Bailey Bridge Road. The scheme received substantial funding from the council.

Work began in 2007 and the first phase of 32 affordable homes completed last year. The second and final phase is due to complete in January 2010 providing an additional 39 new homes for outright sale which have nearly all been sold. The second phase also includes completion of new communal grounds and the art installation.

As with all Home developments The Oaks will become a mixed-tenure community, providing all existing residents with brand new and improved homes, and also giving other local people a chance to rent or get a foot on the property ladder.

The Oaks was recently shortlisted for the Association for Public Service Excellence Awards – Best Housing and Regeneration Project.

About Home:

Home Group is one of the UK’s leading providers of affordable housing, care and support, and is committed to creating thriving communities where people want to live. The group, which has a turnover in excess of £267m, manages 55,000 homes throughout England and Scotland and is England’s largest provider of specialist housing, care and support helping over 19,000 people each year. Home Group employs nearly 4500 staff.

Home manages nearly 15,000 properties in its south east region through a network of fourteen regional offices. Home manages nearly 2000 properties in Essex.

www.homegroup.org.uk

About the Braintree Housing Partnership

Braintree Housing Partnership was formed in December 1998, involving both public and private sectors to make the most of investment opportunities and ever rising standards. Members include: Braintree District Council, Flagship Suffolk Heritage Housing Association, Home Group, Swan Housing Association, consultants Baily Garner and developers. They have agreed to work together to provide housing of various types and sizes throughout the district to meet the demands for new affordable homes.