Budding architects build their own future

Published by Anonymous for Two Rivers Housing in Housing and also in Communities

The next generation of villagers in Sling in the Forest of Dean last week got a chance to help out in building the future of their village.

Nine youngsters, who live in the village but attend Ellwood primary just down the road, inspected the new foundations of a community development of 18 brand new family homes in the centre of their village.

The new energy efficient homes are being developed by community organisation Two Rivers Housing in a £2.1 million investment in the village. Gloucester builders Markey Construction are delivering the project for Two Rivers.

The scheme has seen 14 old energy hungry post war prefabricated homes swept away to be replaced by seven three bedroomed and seven two bedroomed houses, and four two bedroomed flats – all built to the high energy efficiency standards.  

Two Rivers is a not for profit organisation with over 3,800 homes in the Forest, Gloucestershire and Herefordshire, for low cost rent and shared ownership. The new development at Sling is part of a major investment drive which will see Two Rivers build over 300 affordable quality homes over the next few years.

Bailey Purvis (9) and Kasey Leigh (6), pictured looking at the plans for their news homes, used to live with their families in the old prefab “Cornish” houses.

“I am really looking forward to moving in to our new home. It’s really exciting to see them being built,” Kasey said.

Two Rivers volunteer Board Member Andrea Brown joined the children on site to view progress on their new homes.

“I am a Two Rivers tenant myself and I know how vital their work is in providing low cost affordable homes for local people. The gap between wages and house prices in the area means that, without Two Rivers, many families and communities wouldn’t be able to stay together.

“We work with local communities to deliver homes that meet their needs. Families sit round the table with our specialists to talk through every aspect of their new homes, even to the colour of the walls. Two Rivers is, after all, for people, for communities and not-for-profit.

“These new generation homes are all about looking after the next generation. They are being built with a very high level of insulation, helping reduce fuel bills by at least 50% compared with their draughty old houses. It’s just what the kids would expect,” she said.