Friends reunited at York £20m housing development » Housing » 24dash.com

A £20m housing redevelopment providing affordable homes for York people welcomed its first residents this week.

A total of 196 new homes, replacing 100 prefabricated bungalows on three sites are being constructed close to York centre with a firm emphasis on keeping friends and neighbours together.

Beatrix and Roy Church Ipictured) moved into their new two-bedroomed bungalow at Horsman Avenue, at the former St Ann’s Court site, and are delighted that former neighbours will still be close enough for a cup of tea and a chat.

“We were happy in our old pre-fab bungalow but we realised that it was time for something new,” said Beatrix, 66, who has been married to husband Roy, 71, for 45 years. “The old bungalows didn’t have central heating and were difficult to keep warm.”

“Now we have central heating, a fitted kitchen and bathroom and the fact that my friend, Jeanette has moved in just a couple of doors down is the icing on the cake for me!”

The new homes are being provided through a partnership between City of York Council, York Housing Association, Southdale Homes and Tees Valley Housing, which is part of Fabrick Housing Group.

The partnership has made looking after their tenants’ preferences a top priority in the move from the pre-fabricated bungalows to the new purpose-built bungalows on the same sites.

“We have made every attempt to be sensitive to the needs of our tenants every step of the way,” said Christine Storrs, Chief Executive of York Housing Association. “Some of our tenants have been neighbours for more than 30 years so we have tried to keep friendships and close communities together.”

Kevin Kirwin, 82, who had lived at St Ann’s Court for three years, is also pleased that he has been allocated a bungalow close to a good friend and appreciates the assistance he has received with the move including help with removal costs and practical help in putting up curtains and pictures.

“They have done us proud!” said Mr Kirwin. “I don’t mind admitting moving can be a traumatic experience – especially for older people but they have made it all as easy as possible for us. “

This first phase of the scheme has welcomed 15 tenants into 12 bungalows on the former St Ann’s Court site. The next phases will see 20 more tenants move during the summer.

Tenants from demolished homes were given priority on 60 bungalows across the three sites at St Ann’s Court, Regent Street and Richmond/Faber Street.

An additional 95 houses and apartments are also under construction to offer homes at affordable rents as well as giving local people the opportunity to buy homes at discounted rates.

The project has Government backing and nearly £10m of funding has been provided by the Homes and Communities Agency.

Residents have been consulted throughout the key planning stages of the project with representatives from the Residents’ Development Committee assisting the project board with decision-making on bungalow design and how to best meet the current and future housing needs of older people in York.

New tenants have been able to choose their kitchens and bathrooms and are anticipating lower utility bills thanks to solar hot water, higher insulation levels, and A-rated condensing boilers with the latest systems for controlling the heating.

There will also be a development of 41 apartments for older people which will have a range of communal facilities such as a bistro and a hairdressers, and where different levels of care will be available to people living independently in their own home, depending on their needs.

Christine Storrs, Chief Executive of York Housing Association, said: “Creating great homes and a neighbourhood where there is a sense of community, has been our main priority, and it is exciting to see the first residents moving in. We want to make sure everyone’s move goes as smoothly as possible, so will help wherever we can. “

Steve Waddington, head of Housing Services for City of York Council, said: “It’s been nearly five years since we first started talking to residents about the future of their homes, and it’s great to see the first tenants moving into them. The nature of this development has changed over time, but the core principles of resident involvement in the design of the scheme has resulted in not only new homes being built, but the retention of an existing community.”

Martin Hawthorne, Group Director of Development and Regeneration at Fabrick Housing, said: "We are really delighted to hear that Beatrix and Roy have chosen their new home near to their old friend’s.

“This whole project has been about the community. We have all worked very hard to completely redevelop the area, removing the old tired bungalows and replacing them with these lovely homes. Most importantly, we have been able to keep that community spirit going throughout."

Paul Moore, Managing Director of Southdale Homes said: “It’s hugely satisfying to start seeing this positive feedback from the residents as this truly highlights the success of this exciting and innovative scheme which the entire team can be proud of.”

David Curtis, Regional Director of the Homes and Communities Agency for Yorkshire & the Humber, said: "We are pleased that our funding and the work of our partners has enabled York City Council to meet the housing needs of local residents. The very high quality of the houses will ensure that they will meet the needs of the new residents for many years to come."