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Julie Doyle, Managing Director and John Farrar Chairman, of Spire Homes
Farrar Court in Irthlingborough, Northamptonshire Spire Homes’ latest development was opened at an official ceremony on Thursday by Chairman John Farrar. They have proved popular with prospective tenants as only a few flats remain.
John Farrar said, “The ceremony was a huge success, and it was a great chance to thank all those responsible for making things happen. It is an honour to have this particular scheme named after myself, having lived in Irthlingborough all my life. I know how needed these homes are, and I am so pleased at the finished result. The brand new flats are exceptional.”
The development consists of sixteen 2 bed and thirteen 1 bed flats, all available for rent for the over 55’s. There is a communal lounge, office, kitchen, and laundry room and scooter store. An emergency call care system and CCTV are also on site to greatly increase security and resident’s safety.
"It is good to see this new building replacing something that was passed its sell by date” said Councillor Sarah Peacock, East Northamptonshire Council’s Chairman, “It meets all the latest standards on energy efficiency, and will provide modern purpose built properties for the over 55's in Irthlingborough. In this tough economic climate Spire Homes have produced a superb building that fits in well with the surrounding area and the church especially."
The scheme, built by contractor Stamford Homes, was given a grant of approximately £1.1m from the Homes and Communities Agency, and the properties are all built to the ‘Very Good’ level for Eco Homes standard, an environmental rating scheme for homes in the UK.
Ian Jackson, Director of Development for the Longhurst Group,
said, “The scheme was originally to be a Spire Homes
sheltered scheme for shared ownership. In recognition however of
both the changing needs of the area and the financial climate and
with the full support of the local authority and most importantly
the additional funding provided by the HCA, we switched to
providing high quality rental properties for the over
55’s.”
