Two Rivers Housing unveils new HQ and business village plans

Published by Jenny George for Two Rivers Housing in Communities and also in Housing

Plans for a £12 million development that will support local businesses and residents in the Forest Of Dean have been unveiled.

Two Rivers Housing, the area’s biggest social housing organisation, has submitted proposals to Forest of Dean District Council to build a new £3.75 million headquarters plus a residential and business village, on a three acre site at Cleeve Mill Lane, Newent.

If approved, the development will include:

• A new headquarters for Two Rivers Housing with support facilities and accommodation for local businesses;
• An extra care centre for elderly and vulnerable residents;
• An innovative mixed use business village and housing development; 
• Eight start-up business units and eight ‘Work/Live’ units; and
• Community facilities.

The office building itself represents around 30% of the overall investment proposed for the site at Cleeve Mill with the remaining £8.25 million being invested in the development of  new homes and a unique business village.

The scheme could create more than 55 new jobs, as well as house 85 of Two Rivers Housing’s 135 employees.

Two Rivers Housing, which manages around 3,700 homes across the Forest of Dean District, Herefordshire, Gloucester City and the Stroud District, has operated out of its current base in Mitcheldean since it was formed in 2003.

Garry King, Chief Executive of Tow Rivers Housing, said: “This is a cost effective solution for the organisation as we will actually save money by owning our own building both on lease and running costs. These savings will allow us to invest more in our tenants’ homes as well as new homes in the future.”

The organisation’s new headquarters will also include a number of environmentally friendly features such as solar panels, as well as create space for local businesses looking for affordable offices.

Part of the proposal for the development will see eight ‘Work/Live’ units built to provide a cost effective solution for start-up businesses. The properties will boast first-floor flats for living in, with offices or workshops on the ground floor.

Two Rivers Housing is also considering offering support services to businesses located on the site and is soon set to carry out research on the type of companies likely to move to the units.

“This development is part of our commitment to supporting the community in the Forest of Dean wherever we can,” added Garry.

“We wanted to bring forward a development that would not only provide us with a new office, but also offer facilities to benefit local people.  

“There is a huge need for a solution to rising unemployment and for care facilities in the area, and this will offer a viable solution to both.”

A full planning application has been put forward for the company’s headquarters with an outline application covering the rest of the development. 

Dr. David Garnett, Chair of Two Rivers Housing's Board, said: “Two Rivers Housing is about more than bricks a mortar. We are about delivering schemes that have a wider benefit to the whole community.

“This is a major investment in challenging economic times that will support residents and businesses for years to come.”

If the plans are approved work on the new headquarters is expected to be completed by early 2013.