New Social Housing Scheme Opens in Great Yarmouth

Published by Rebecca King for Broadland Housing Association Ltd in Housing and also in Communities, Local Government

Local MP Brandon Lewis and Chief Executive of Broadland Housing Association, Michael Newey, officially opened 24 new social housing flats at Euston Court in Great Yarmouth. The new site, which has taken 12-months to develop, will be a mix of one and two bedroom flats and some specifically designed units for wheelchair users.

Delivering affordable housing in Great Yarmouth has always been difficult because of the lack of available sites, which is caused by the natural physical constraints of the sea, the rivers and much of the town being in an area of high flood risk. The new development is therefore key to providing good quality social housing within Great Yarmouth.

Commenting on the new development, Michael Newey said: “From the moment G & Co approached us with the chance to turn the site from a car park into a new social housing scheme, we have worked closely in partnership with the Great Yarmouth Borough Council, developers and architects to create a scheme that meets the needs of the people in Great Yarmouth.

“In particular the local council have been very helpful and we wouldn’t have been able to complete the development if they hadn’t provided £144,000 to support the development.

As the recent report from the National Housing Federation highlighted it is becoming harder and harder to get on the housing ladder, as the house price to wage ratio for low and middle income earners becomes more pronounced. With the average house price in Great Yarmouth 9.6 times the average salary developments like this are becoming even more important.

“So at a time when much of the news is focused on cuts in the social housing sector it’s a real pleasure to be opening a building that’s going to have a big impact on the local community.”

The site lies in an area surrounded by residential Victorian buildings, so it was key the design of the four-story building was in keeping with the local architecture.

To find out more about Broadland Housing Association and the projects they run visit www.broadlandhousing.org.uk .