England
Housing Minister Caroline Flint hailed co-operative housing as a model for safe and sustainable neighbourhoods of the future. She was speaking after a visit to Redditch, were local residents have helped to design two complexes of Eco Homes which they now manage through local co-operatives.
Crime and anti-social behaviour is almost unheard of and many residents have gone on to take up new jobs, training or civic roles, such as school governors, as a result of their involvement in running the co-operatives.Ms Flint said:
"This innovative scheme shows just what can be achieved when people have a real stake in the places where they live - safe communities, friendly neighbourhoods and a higher quality of life."I am hugely impressed by what has been achieved here and am keen to explore further how mutual housing solutions such as this could function elsewhere."
The 36 new homes on two sites in Redditch cost £5 million to construct and use prefabricated Norwegian timber panels with insulation, external cladding, door frames and windows included and ready to erect. They meet the current highest industry EcoHomes rating of 'excellent'.
The homes are being developed by Accord Housing Association for Redditch Co-operative Homes, in partnership with Norwegian company Hedalm Anebyhus and Redditch Borough Council. Hedalm Anebhyus is itself a cooperative, using timber from sustained forests to produce the panels.
Work started on phase one of the Windmill Estate redevelopment in Fulbourn near Cambridge. To mark the event, Accent Nene HA and construction partner Kier Partnership Homes hosted a ceremony for people involved in the project.
Planning approval for the Windmill Estate redevelopment was granted in November 2007 following many months of negotiations. The master plan for the estate includes new homes for rent, shared ownership and outright sale - with up to 273 new dwellings being built over a four phase programme.
Phase one of the redevelopment includes 120 new dwellings and a new community centre. The community centre will include a community hall and provision for a volunteer library service.
Lovell was chosen by Eastern Shires Housing Association to build a £2.5 million development of new apartments in Hucknall, Nottinghamshire.
The 34 apartments will be built on the former site of St James Court and St George's Court in Hucknall owned by Ashfield District Council. The Council is discounting the land value to Eastern Shires Housing Group, to enable accommodation to be built for the over-55s client group. The new homes will be managed by Ashfield Homes.
The scheme due to be completed by June 2009.
Scotland
Work got underway on a development to bring 18 new affordable homes to South Ayrshire.
Communities Scotland has invested over £1.4 million in the project, to be built in the village of Mossblown by West of Scotland Housing Association. All 18 of the homes will be available for affordable rent from the Association.
Ardenglen Housing Association, on behalf of the Mitchellhill Study Group, undertook a feasibility study into the redevelopment of a site made vacant by the demolition of the Mitchellhill multi-storey blocks in Castlemilk, Glasgow.
The study is funded by over £27,000 from Communities Scotland's Wider Role programme, which encourages housing associations to develop projects that help make life better for local communities. It will investigate whether the site can be redeveloped in an economic and sustainable manner.
The site is surrounded by natural woodland, nature conservation areas and places of archaeological significance, which are currently underused by local people. The potential redevelopment would provide an opportunity to improve residents' health and quality of life.
Kenny Stocks, director of Ardenglen Housing Association said:
"The Mitchellhill flats once dominated the skyline of Glasgow. Focusing on environmentally centred principles, we are delighted to be investigating with our partners how this unique site could be developed as a truly iconic landmark for the City.
Roger Popplewell, Communities Scotland's Area Director for Glasgow, said:
"This is a very good opportunity to bring in the community in Mitchellhill to get their views on redeveloping this derelict site. By seeking views now on what local people want from a mix of housing, a healthy environment, green space and community facilities, the study group can make an impact on how the site's regeneration is taken forward to benefit everyone."