Regeneration celebrations go with a bang
31 August 2007 -
Sentinel Housing Association award winning Oakridge Regeneration scheme was officially marked complete by a balloon release by TV presenter and author, Tommy Walsh and Sentinel Chairman, Charles Kaye OBE.
Tommy Walsh, spoke of his passion for social housing and said: "Low cost housing doesn't have to look low cost. Hopefully this housing scheme will become a model for other affordable housing schemes across the country".
The redevelopment was carried out by Sentinel Housing Association in partnership with Basingstoke & Deane Borough Council. Construction of the £43m scheme began in 2001. The 1960’s maisonette blocks were demolished and replaced with 299 new homes, a new high street, five new shops, a pub, a new community centre and village green.
The official proceedings were followed by a fun day of activities including; face painting, bouncy castle, arts and crafts, line dancing, belly dancing and community drumming. A dramatic pirate battle, performed by local residents, closed the event with a blast from their cannon.
Investing in our homes and neighbourhoods to provide good places to live.