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affordable homes boost for city
31 May 2006
Scores of affordable homes will be built across the city as part of a new development partnership.
It follows a multi million pound allocation from the Housing Corporation to Firebird Homes JVC – a social housing joint venture – to help meet the growing demand for homes for rent and for first time buyers in West Yorkshire.
As part of Firebird’s successful allocation, Bradford Community Housing Trust (BCHT) and Manningham Housing Association (MHA) will receive £12.5 million in Social Housing grants over the next two years to build nearly 200 affordable homes in Bradford, which will add up to around £25 million of investment in total.
At Wyke, South Bradford Community Housing Trust – part of the BCHT Group – and MHA plan to build 41 houses on the Wilson Road estate. The homes, which will be for rent and some shared ownership, are earmarked for a site off Huddersfield Road and two former garage sites on the estate.
Over £3 million is already going into improving 75 homes on the estate as part of Bradford Community Housing Trust’s £175 million modernisation programme.
Andrew Wilson, Chair of South Bradford Community Housing Trust said: “The Trust has worked closely with residents and Manningham Housing Association to draw up these exciting plans for the estate.
“The funding go-ahead means we can move forward and provide a mix of housing including much needed family homes. The scheme will also include improvements to the local environment.”
At Bierley, 30 family homes (21 for BCHT and 9 for MHA) are planned for an empty site off Burnham Avenue. BCHT has started the final phase of its multi million pound improvements to over 300 homes on the Bierley estate.
Doris Sunter, Chair of East Bradford Community Housing Trust said: “The Bierley estate is being transformed with housing trust funding and the Housing Corporation investment for new homes will breath fresh life into the community.
“Providing high quality new affordable homes will help meet the growing local need particularly among young families.”
On the Allerton estate, Housing Corporation funding will go towards building 21 homes for BCHT and 17 family sized properties for Manningham Housing Association. As part of the development off Saffron Drive, developers could build up to ten starter homes.
At Haworth Road, BCHT and MHA are already building apartments and family sized homes in a £1.2 million development backed by the Housing Corporation.
Ralph Hewitt, Chair Of Bradford West City Community Housing Trust said: “We are committed to building more social housing. By working with Manningham Housing Association and local developers we will be able to offer a range of homes and tenancy options.”
Firebird Homes JVC will manage the joint development of all three sites in the city and tenders and planning applications will be drawn up over the next couple of months. Building work is expected to start in the Autumn.
As part of the Housing Corporation allocation, Manningham Housing Association will build another 59 homes across the city.
Geraldine Howley, BCHT’s Group Chief Executive said: “Building affordable homes is a key priority for BCHT and we have worked closely with Manningham Housing Association, Firebird Homes and local groups to secure this major investment from the Housing Corporation.
“These new developments around the city will provide a range of social housing and encourage greater diversity within local neighbourhoods. They will also offer a choice of tenure including rented and shared ownership.”
Akhtar Malik, Chair of Manningham Housing Association said:"It is excellent that the Firebird partnership has successfully attracted this massive investment to Bradford and especially good to see community cohesion being the cornerstone for mixed and balanced neighbourhoods. Firebird will forge ahead to provide much need affordable housing in the District"
The construction phase will also provide a boost to the local economy by creating a number of new jobs and developers will be encouraged to use local suppliers.