13.10.11 First Homes Ready at Stonebridge Park

The finishing touches are being added to the first completed home on one of Nottingham’s largest housing regeneration programmes in readiness for a VIP visit by a number of major project stakeholders.

Pat Ritchie, Chief Executive, Homes and Communities Agency (HCA), joined Matt Cooney, Chief Executive, LHA-ASRA Group, on a site tour and official hand-over of the first home at Stonebridge Park in St Ann’s. LHA-ASRA is the organisation leading phase 1 of the regeneration programme, in partnership with the local community, Nottingham City Council and the HCA. The HCA provided £5.7m to kickstart the scheme, unlocking a total investment of £11 million for new housing to create more choice for residents and a mixed and sustainable neighbourhood.

Phase 1 of the regeneration programmes will see a total of 95 new homes completed in Eastham Close, Dennett Close, Magson Close and St Matthias Road. A selection of spacious two, three and four bedroom properties will provide new family accommodation for the area and new residents will be able to choose a tenure which best meets their needs, from buying outright to renting, or the "try before you buy" option, which involves renting for a period before buying.

Pat Ritchie, Chief Executive, HCA, comments: “This is great news for Nottingham and an important milestone in the regeneration of Nottingham’s Eastside. From the start this project has been led by the community, and we are pleased that they will very soon be able to see the benefits of new housing within their neighbourhood. The scheme has followed a comprehensive approach to regeneration – and our investment into housing is being complemented by health, employment and economic initiatives."

"We at LHA-ASRA are very excited about this project as it is transforming part of the St Ann's area. With the recent opening of the new Albany House extra care development on St Matthias Road adjacent to Stonebridge Park, it is possible to see the vision of a regenerated and vibrant community coming to fruition. We are also delighted that we are able to assist Nottingham City Council in achieving a key part of their regeneration plan," added Matt Cooney, LHA-ASRA Group Chief Executive.

All homes are built to high environmental and design standards, achieving Level 4 of the Code for Sustainable Homes. Improvements to the public realm and green space have also been incorporated in the plans.

Councillor Dave Liversidge, Nottingham City Council's Portfolio holder for Housing Delivery, said: "Local residents have waited patiently for construction of these new homes, so the completion of the first new home is an exciting milestone. Many of the residents have played an active part in planning the new scheme which should help regenerate the whole area bounded by St Matthias Road, Beacon Hill Rise and Stonebridge Road and also help create local jobs.

The new two, three and four bedroom homes will be priced ranging from £69,500 for a two bedroom home, to £105,000 for a spacious four bedroom house. Detail will be available shortly at www.stonebridgeeastside.co.uk