Landmark for Newburys biggest regeneration project
23 May 2008 - DOZENS OF families in Bishops Green celebrate the completion of the first batch of new affordable homes today, as Newbury’s biggest regeneration project takes shape.
Sentinel Housing Association’s ambitious £17m project is reviving one of the Newbury area’s most isolated rural communities by providing a new village hall and village shop, while replacing 95 outdated ex-council homes with 148 new homes to rent, part-buy part-rent or buy.
The first phase of 31 new houses and apartments — built by affordable housing specialist Hill Partnerships — have already transformed the lives of dozens of residents, some of whom moved there when the first homes were built in the early 1950s.
Sentinel Business Director Val Bagnall said: “Bishops Green is a settled community, and residents didn’t want to be rehoused all over the area, so that’s why we’re replacing the homes in phases. As a result of our approach, residents have been excited to see their new homes come together, and everyone here has had a hand in shaping their future.“
The record investment in the area means the new homes are much more energy efficient, while the landscaping and play areas make it easier to get around on foot. The first phase is all either rented or for shared ownership, with homes allocated to people with local connections first.
Andy Hill, Managing Director of Hill Partnerships Ltd, said, “We are very pleased to have partnered with Sentinel Housing on this project, where we have involved both our development and construction companies. Our design director and our production team have achieved a great outcome with phase one, and we are looking forward to working with the residents, and local community, on the future phases.”
Fiona Cruikshank, Housing Corporation director for the South East added: “I am delighted that over £2 million of our funding has assisted in the provision of 35 homes for rent at Bishops Green, with more funding and affordable homes for rent and shared ownership to follow.
“This is an excellent example of a large regeneration development; and also of a number of organisations working in partnership to achieve a common goal with resident involvement to create in effect a new community to provide a better future for current and future residents.”
Demolition of the next tranche of homes will begin in the next few weeks, clearing another part of the estate for Phase2, which is due to complete by next Spring. The third and final phase will complete in February 2010.
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