Welcome to the Summer 2009 PHD e–bulletin. We aim to bring you news that demonstrates the way in which our innovative partnership is transforming neighbourhoods and creating desirable places to live.
PHD has announced its best ever year-end performance figures. Confirmation of performance against programme targets was announced by the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) on 7 May. These excellent results show that PHD has achieved top quartile positions for rent and low cost home ownership completions, rent start on sites and expenditure. The partnership exceeded its targets by up to 206% and almost doubled its grant allocation from over £17m to over £31m.
This achievement reflects the commitment and flexibility of PHD members and supports PHD’s significant role as a valued partner of choice for the HCA.
Andrew Osivwemu, HCA Investment Manager, said: "PHD has turned in very good results again this year, particularly when considering the recession. We are pleased with their overall performance and achievements. Our partnership with them has been very strong and PHD is a leading partner in helping us to formulate and deliver a positive and successful regional response to the ‘credit crunch’."
Ian Perry, Chair of PHD, told us: "PHD is driven by quality, innovation and delivery. Our growing partnership breathes new life and opportunity into some of our most challenging neighbourhoods and these significant results reflect the hard work, dedication and commitment of colleagues within PHD."
Sasha Deepwell, Managing Director PHD, added: "Importantly, these results mean that we are meeting the needs and aspirations of our customers. Even more people are enjoying a quality, affordable home and we are creating great places where people choose to live and work."
Over the last three years, PHD has invested in excess of £125m, securing almost £60m grant to widen the supply and choice of homes in rural and urban environments across the North West region. PHD has created over 1,200 new homes across the full range of tenures, including apartments, bungalows, family houses and supported housing.
PHD’s HCA affordable housing allocation for the period 2008–2011 is in the top ten nationally and the partnership aims to support communities and government by doubling the number of new homes that it delivers.
For further information, please contact Greg Allen, Head of Development (Programme, Performance, Quality) at plus dane group on 0151 708 4618 or at greg.allen@neighbourhoodinvestor.com
Margaret Beckett, Minister for Housing and Planning, visited three new housing projects being developed by Derwent & Solway, during a recent visit to the Cumbrian town of Keswick.
The contemporary, eco–friendly developments at Netherfield, Derwent Close and Greta Court represent an investment of £15m by Derwent & Solway, a member of Harvest Housing Group. They will provide 129 new homes for Keswick and tackle the shortage of affordable housing in the area.
Mrs Beckett commented that the developments were "exceptional" and spoke about the need for such initiatives in tackling the housing problems faced by many rural communities.
Netherfield is the most important development of social housing in Keswick for over 20 years. The development uses green technology including timber–frame construction and renewable sources within its heating and hot water systems.
27 high quality apartments for the over 55s will replace existing bed–sits at Derwent Close, with Derwent & Solway securing HCA funds to deliver this project. Plans to redevelop Greta Court are at an early stage.
For further information, please contact Ben Brinicombe, Property Regeneration Manager at Derwent & Solway on 01900 814711 or at ben.brinicombe@harvesthousing.org.uk
Halton Housing Trust plans to deliver 18 exciting new homes at Clarke Gardens, Widnes.
The contemporary development of 12 two–bedroom apartments and six three–bedroom bungalows will be set in landscaped grounds and residents will enjoy a central, communal garden.
With a particular focus on older residents, the development will meet the Lifetime Homes standard, providing accessible and adaptable accommodation that is easy to live in for as long as possible. Halton Housing Trust, project managers plus dane group and architects Halsall Lloyd Partnership are working closely with one family to design a bespoke bungalow that meets their specific support needs.
Close to Widnes town centre, and benefiting from excellent local amenities, Clarke Gardens will provide much–needed affordable homes for the area and transform an empty, brownfield site.
Formed from the transfer of homes from Halton Borough Council in 2005, Halton Housing Trust joined PHD in 2008. Managing 6,200 homes in Runcorn and Widnes, Clarke Gardens is the first development for the Trust.
Neil McGrath, Director of Resources for Halton Housing Trust, told us: "This is an extremely exciting project for the Trust. As our first development project we want this to be seen as a flagship scheme that provides 18 new homes that meet the housing needs of people living within Halton."
For further information, please contact Neil McGrath on 0151 510 5103 or at neil.mcgrath@haltonhousing.org
The multi–million pounds regeneration of Castlefields, Runcorn has been recognised at three major awards events.
The Castlefields Regeneration Masterplan beat stiff competition to become a finalist for the prestigious Leadership of Place award at the inaugural Homes and Communities Academy Awards in June.
Partners Halton Borough Council, the Homes and Communities Agency, plus dane group, LHT and the North West Development Agency are investing over £44m and breathing new life into Castlefields. Over 470 new homes have been created with a further 650 under construction or planned. 800 unpopular deck access flats have been demolished and £2.6m investment has created state–of–the–art Phoenix Park with skate, bike and climbing facilities. The exciting Village Square development, project managed by plus dane group, is entering its second phase to deliver new shops, homes, a community health centre and improved public space.
Plus dane group’s Caesar’s Close development, built in partnership with Cruden Construction, was represented at the 2009 LABC North West Region Building Excellence Awards and North West Regional Construction Awards 2009. The development of 50 new homes was shortlisted for the Best Housing 11 Units or More category at the LABC awards, and made the finals for the Business award at the North West Regional Construction Awards. Casear’s Close has been built using innovative Lean Construction methods, designed to improve quality, reduce waste, deliver faster build times and reduce disruption to residents.
For further information, please contact Bridget Waters, Development Communications Officer at plus dane group on 0151 708 4686 or at bridget.waters@neighbourhoodinvestor.com
The Worshipful Mayor of Manchester, Councillor Mavis Smitheman, officially opened nine new, purpose–built bungalows at Grove Village (previously known as Plymouth Grove) in Ardwick, Manchester in April. The £1.9m development is part of a £100m housing PFI scheme that is radically transforming Ardwick into a thriving urban village.
Developed by Manchester & District Housing Association, a member of Harvest Housing Group, the two–bedroom bungalows have been specifically built for people with mobility or medical needs. They include green features such as solar thermal heating systems that will help reduce residents’ gas bills and are close to local shops and amenities, making it easier for residents to get about and get involved in the community.
Grove Village won the prestigious Regeneration Partnership Award at the Regeneration & Renewal Awards 2008 and was named 2008 PFI/PPP Project of the Year by Building Magazine. The estate has been remodelled to include new homes and a ‘Green Route’ — which covers three neighbourhood parks and forms a safe, attractive route through the village with places to walk, play and relax.
For further information, please contact Peter Harrison, Regional Regeneration Manager at Harvest Housing Group on 0161 274 1180 or at peter.harrison@harvesthousing.org.uk