Keys given to new affordable Plymouth
01.09.2006
Keys will be handed over to residents moving into new homes which replaced outdated blocks of flats and maisonettes in Devonport, Plymouth.
Before the 108 flats were demolished in 2005, the site was known as James Street and Bennett Street. Landowners Plymouth City Council transferred the site to Sovereign Housing Association and the last resident moved out in November 2002.
Now the community is starting to return to King William Heights, the name chosen by local people who took inspiration from the 'King Billy statue at Mountwise.
On Friday 22 September new neighbours Miss Connie Preston and Miss Emma Glasscoe will be collecting the keys to their homes in James Street.
Devonport born and bred Connie is excited about having a garden and no more steps to make life difficult for less mobile relatives when they visit. Emma, who lived in the Bullring for over three years, is looking forward to having a garden and bath in her two-bedroom place.
The decanting arrangements, to move residents out of the area with minimal disruption for the demolition and rebuilding works to happen, was skilfully managed with a close working and funding partnership between Plymouth City Council Housing Service, the Devonport Regeneration Community Partnership and Sovereign Housing Association.
Cabinet member for Housing Councillor Mark King said: "There are schemes across Plymouth where outdated homes which don't meet the needs and modern day standards are being replaced with top quality affordable housing. With the new homes comes a fresh community pride."
Sovereign's Head of Regeneration Martin John added: "This has been a resident-led project from the start, so it's great that we're now seeing the first of the former residents coming back to their new homes. The combination of rented, part-buy/part-rent, and market sale housing that we are offering should help create a more varied new community. We are confident they will be happy to live in this exciting and historic area for many years to come."
Published 29 September 2006
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