Aspire Housing unveils redevelopment at official ceremony » Housing » 24dash.com

Rob Flello MP joined Blurton residents recently to officially open a redevelopment that has transformed a previously run-down area.

Aspire Housing was appointed by Stoke-on-Trent City Council, as part of the RENEW North Staffordshire housing market renewal programme, to lead on the development of a Masterplan for the Blurton and Newstead areas.

As part of the plan, houses and bedsits in Denham Square were demolished and replaced with 17 new bungalows, including two specifically designed to temporarily house individuals with spinal injuries who have left hospital and are recovering.

Aspire Housing funded £1,000,000 of the project costs, and secured a further £920,000 from The Housing Corporation.

Rob Flello MP was delighted with the new housing and said: "This is a fabulous new housing development for some of the more vulnerable members of our community. It shows the very best that can be achieved when well respected charities and forward looking housing associations can work with a department of the City Council that listens to the needs of its citizens.

He continued: “I am very proud to be at this opening made possible by government and third sector investment".

Newly named ‘Denham Gardens’ provides its residents with new homes (all fitted with Aspire Housing’s Carecall facilities), landscaped frontages and car parking facilities.

Resident, Joan Sloan, is delighted with her new house. She said: “I feel really comfortable and settled in my home.

She continued: “The City Council and Aspire Housing have been brilliant and nothing has been too much trouble for them.”

The official opening ceremony concluded with the planting of a tree on the site and a chance for residents to talk with Rob Flello MP and representatives from the organisations involved, at a celebration at the nearby Winifred Gardens community centre.

Aspire Housing will continue to work in the area with the redevelopment of Ingestre Square, that will provide new homes, shops and community facilities.