Merlin welcomes residents to its first development

Published by Hywel LLoyd for Merlin Housing Society in Housing and also in Communities

Residents of Merlin Housing Society’s first-ever development are celebrating after moving into their new homes.

Kings Castle Court, a block of ten homes in High Street, Kingswood, was officially opened yesterday (June 8) by Merlin resident chairman Les Good and Cllr James Hunt, executive member for Communities at South Gloucestershire Council. And they were on hand to welcome the residents to their new homes.
 
Liam White, one of the new residents at the flat said he was delighted with his new home. He said: “When I came to view the flat I just thought wow! I knew there and then I wanted to move in.” 

The flats were developed in partnership with Somer Housing Group and built by Halsall Construction. And the quality of the development has been recognised with its shortlisting for an LABC Building Excellence Award.

Chief executive Ian Matthews said: “This is a real landmark for us, as these are the first homes we have developed since we were formed in 2007. I wish Liam and all the other new residents at Kings Castle Court well in their new homes.”
 
Cllr Hunt added: “This is Merlin’s first new build affordable housing scheme in South Gloucestershire. The provision of ten much needed affordable homes goes towards meeting the Council's affordable housing strategy and the Council looks forward to continue working in partnership with Merlin.”

The development also includes Merlin’s new Kingswood Housing Office, which opened in April.

Mike Grist, director of development at Somer Housing Group said: “As another housing association we are really pleased to have supported Merlin to develop these great new homes along with their local office and I am very proud of our involvement in what has been a very successful partnership. I offer Liam and all his new neighbours a very warm welcome to their new homes.”

Richard Austin, Area Director of Halsall Construction said: “We’ve worked tirelessly in partnership with Merlin and their development partner Somer to provide a scheme of affordable housing, creating much needed homes for the local community.

“We are please to have been able to have worked in partnership on Merlin’s first development scheme.”