The first phase of what will become one of the largest new build affordable housing projects in the North West was officially ratified as Contour Housing Group signed a contract to build 102 social housing properties in Lower Broughton, Salford.
The programme, which could eventually deliver 3,500 properties, is believed to be one of the largest regeneration projects in the North West. Two thirds of properties will be available for outright sale via Countryside Properties, with the remaining third available for affordable housing via Contour.
The first phase of the development is being brought forward with the help of Housing Market Renewal funding via the Manchester Salford Pathfinder and through the Housing Corporation's Affordable Housing programme.
The first of the new affordable housing units have already been earmarked for residents living close to the new scheme in properties that are in need of updating. Once empty, these old properties will be demolished.
The new properties will also have other benefits, including an Ecohomes very good rating. They will be built to modern standards of construction and provide good sound and heat insulation.
As well as housing, the scheme will include commercial and retail elements and a number of community projects.
Bromford Housing Group selected Lovell for a £34 million housing regeneration scheme in the Rea Valley area of Northfield, Birmingham. The 353 new homes will comprise a mix of two-bedroom apartments, two-bedroom bungalows, and two-, three-, four- and five-bedroom houses. They will be for affordable rent and shared ownership through Bromford Housing Group.
The modern, new, purpose-built homes will replace defective pre-cast reinforced concrete (PRC) housing, which is being demolished. They will be built using an advanced Modern Methods of Construction timber frame system, which will allow for faster construction speeds and higher quality standards. All homes will have high levels of energy efficiency.
The development is due to complete in 2010.
West Mercia Housing Group officially started a new £1.5 million housing scheme at Belbroughton, near Kidderminster, in Worcestershire. The new development of 15 two- and three-bedroom houses will create homes for affordable rent, shared ownership and fixed equity sale through the Group.
The scheme is set for completion in August 2007.
Work started on the transformation of the biggest-ever land acquisition by a housing association in Scotland, from a derelict former dyeworks site into around 300 new homes for rent and sale. The land, some of the most contaminated in Scotland, borders the river Leven and was once the site of thriving silk dye factories, which employed 5,000 people.
A £6 million programme by Cordale Housing Association over 12 months will demolish, decontaminate, and build flood prevention measures to ready the site on the banks of the River Leven for construction work. Over the next five years, Cordale's ambitious project will create around 100 jobs, including professional trainees, and turn the site into a mixed development of both private and affordable social housing.
The development of the new homes, in partnership with the private sector, will add to Cordale's regeneration work on behalf of local people in Renton. This includes a supermarket, the relocation of the local post office, a new GP practice and an integrated Healthy Living Centre, owned by the housing association and funded by it and other agencies.
West Lothian is receiving a £4 million housing boost, with 35 new affordable homes for rent and low-cost ownership in Broxburn and Bathgate.
In Broxburn, West Lothian Housing Partnership will develop 23 family homes for rent by families and five homes designed for people with special needs, including one designed for a wheelchair user. The Association will also build four homes for sale under the Homestake programme.
Three new flats have been acquired in Bathgate by Lothian Homes for Homestake sale by Castle Rock Edinvar Housing Association.
Communities Minister, Rhona Brankin, announced approval for the development of 50 new affordable homes for Perthshire.
Perthshire Housing Association will purchase 23 homes from private developers, to be sold through Homestake.
Hillcrest Housing Association will develop 27 new affordable homes in Crieff, of which 16 will be for social rent and 11 for low-cost home ownership.
Work was underway on a development by Abertay Housing Association to bring 21 much-needed new affordable homes to Dundee. The homes are being built on a brownfield site near Dunholm Road, in the city's Charleston area.
All 21 homes will be available for affordable rent and completed next year.