A former Greenwich primary school has been transformed into a mix of 136 one-, two- and three-bedroom homes, available for outright purchase, shared ownership, or rent. The ASRA Greater London Housing Association scheme is part of the overall £36 million development, which has been part-funded through the Housing Corporation's social housing grant. Total residential units consist of 95 private sale, 22 shared ownership, and ASRA's 19 rental properties for rent by local people.
Lovell started work on the first new homes to be built by Rugby Borough Council for 10 years. The £2.2 million new development of 31 two- and three-bedroom houses, which will all be for affordable rent, are being built on land formerly occupied by a run-down block of 1960s flats. The new housing development is expected to be complete in July 2007.
Work was underway in Arbroath on the development of 18 new affordable homes. With funding of over £1 million from Communities Scotland, Angus Housing Association will develop the homes in the town's Cliffburn area. The new homes are the fifth phase of homes to be approved as part of the wider regeneration of the area.
Housing in Fife is being given a boost with the construction of 21 new homes for rent in Glenrothes, with support of £1.5 million from Communities Scotland. Kingdom Housing Association is developing 21 new affordable homes for rent, of which 14 are being designed and built specifically for older people. The £2.1 million development is due for completion in October 2007. This is the second phase in a development of over 40 affordable homes, with the first phase of 20 homes recently completed.
The first Homestake homes launched in Aberdeen will allow 18 individuals and families on low incomes to become homeowners in the city centre. Communities Minister, Malcolm Chisholm, began the construction of the shared equity homes, which are part of a private development of 150 homes. The homes are the result of a partnership between Communities Scotland, Aberdeen City Council, Grampian Housing Association, and Barratt Homes. The Council's planning consent included the requirement for affordable homes to be built alongside the developer's homes for sale.
Homestake is the Scottish Executive's shared equity scheme, managed by Communities Scotland, which allows individuals and families on low incomes to buy a property in partnership with a housing association. Since the programme was launched 12 months ago, over 850 Homestake homes have been approved throughout Scotland.
The Homestake properties are likely to cost successful applicants around £60,000 for their shared-equity stake in the home. They will be targeted at those on low to modest incomes to allow them the opportunity to become homeowners.
Swansea Housing Association announced it will build a 78-home development for the over 55s on land acquired from the Welsh Assembly. The £10.5 million affordable homes development, on Swansea's SA1 Waterfront, aims to attract people looking to move to smaller accommodation.