Work gets underway to develop South Windle » Housing » 24dash.com

The first sod of earth has been cut to mark the start of development at Chapel Street in South Windle, St Helens.

After many months of consultation and planning, construction is now commencing on a range of attractive, energy efficient homes at Chapel and Argyle Street in South Windle. Upon completion in Spring 2010, the new development will offer high quality homes for local people.

Maritime Housing Association, part of the Regenda Group, have been working in partnership with St Helens Borough Council, Helena Partnerships and residents of South Windle Steering Group to create a development of 44 brand new affordable homes at Chapel and Argyle Streets – part of South Windle Neighbourhood Renewal area in St Helens.

Following extensive consultation and negotiation, Brock Carmichael Architects have put together an imaginative scheme retaining the traditional Victorian atmosphere of the area whilst applying the latest materials and methods to create modern, efficient and comfortable homes located in a pleasant, safe and welcoming environment.

The project, which is worth over £4.5m, consists of 44 new build properties which are made up of 2 bedroom apartments and 2, 3 and 4 bedroom houses which are available through rental schemes and through Homebuy shared ownership, where buyers can part-buy and part-rent. Maritime Housing are experts in the management of Homebuy shared ownership properties through RegendaHomes.

Sarah Jane Saunders, Director of Maritime Housing Association said, “We are excited to see work start on Chapel and Argyle Streets, which offers a range of 2, 3 and 4 bedroom affordable homes. The homes are available through a number of schemes from rented accommodation to the much desired Homebuy shared ownership homes where local people can get their first step on the property ladder.

We are glad to be working in partnership with St Helens Council, Helena Partnerships, the steering group and Bardsley Construction to achieve quality and affordable homes to ensure the success of this regeneration area.

The project demonstrates Maritime Housing and the Regenda Group’s commitment to continually invest in our neighbourhoods and St Helens in particular, offering affordable housing solutions and make better places to live for our residents.”

Councillor Richard Ferry, Executive Member for Urban Regeneration at St Helens Council said, “This is a very exciting development which will offer so many affordable home options in the town. By working in partnership we have been able to attract funding to secure the future of the project.”

Bill Lacey, Head of Growth and New Opportunities at Helena Partnerships said, “The commencement of this development represents another positive step in the regeneration of South Windle. The partnership between the Council, Maritime and Helena has made a successful contribution to the sustainability of the area.

We look forward to working with residents to ensure that their vision for the regeneration of South Windle is achieved.”

Maritime Housing and St Helens Council have worked hard together with The Housing Corporation to secure the funding and the future of the project. The affordability of these homes will be secured into the future with a grant of £1.8m from the Housing Corporation.

The Housing Corporation is the Government’s national affordable homes agency, whose investment functions are due to become part of the Homes and Communities Agency from April 2009. The Corporation’s £8.4 million investment programme for 2008-20011 is its biggest ever and is set to fund over 155,000 affordable homes in that period.