Home is where the heart is

Published by Jason Kayley for Together Housing Group in Environment

RESIDENTS of the The Beverleys in Beeston celebrated the official opening of the new development as a special “Home is where the heart is” event.

People from the community were also invited, along with special guests including Chevin’s Managing Director Amanda Garrard and Unity’s Chief Executive Ali Akbor.

The Beverleys, which features 55 two, three and four bedroom properties, managed by Chevinand Unity and built by Keepmoat in partnership with Leeds CC.

But as well as bringing some fantastic new homes to the area, the scheme also helped to provide much-needed work opportunities to the area.

Among those to benefit were four apprentice joiners and bricklayers who were recruited by Keepmoat.

The project also safeguarded the jobs of a further 12 apprentices and created progression into employment opportunities for six unemployed local residents.

Amanda Garrard said: “This development has not only been able to regenerate this part of Beeston, but has also been a real boost to the people of the area.

“We hope the new residents are very happy in their new homes and the area continues to thrive with the new investment.”

Councillor Richard Lewis, Executive Member for Development and the Economy, who also attended the event, said: “It is great that a new set of family homes are helping to regenerate the area by bringing in employment opportunities and that local people are benefiting from this.”

Grant funding of £2.2m was awarded by the Homes and Communities Agency towards the project, following a successful joint bid by Chevin and Unity, with 28 of the homes for social rent and the remaining 27 available for shared ownership.