Doors Open on First Phase of New Social Housing Scheme

Seven families are among the first residents to move into a new affordable housing development in Bamber Bridge.

The 34 new build homes on Brindle Road are a joint venture between Maple Grove Developments, part of the Eric Wright Group, and Lancashire-based housing association Progress Housing Group. It is the first scheme to be delivered through the Lancashire Regeneration Property Partnership (LRPP) a Joint Venture between Lancashire County Council and the Eric Wright Group.

The £3m development, designed and built by Eric Wright Construction, comprises 18 two and three-bedroom houses and 16 one and two-bedroom apartments on a former County Council owned site. The homes are being delivered over two phases with the second due to be completed in May 2015. The new homes have a modern look with landscaped gardens including a garden shed; they are block paved all around and have off road parking.

New tenant, Miss Alicia Perrin, 24 and her three month old baby boy Harry, are thrilled with their new home. On receiving the keys, Alicia said: “I was looking for a new home for me and Harry but didn’t want to move to far away from my family. When I saw these being advertised I jumped at the chance to apply. I’m over the moon. Everything is brand new; I feel very lucky that we can now call this our home.”

The affordable housing scheme overcame a number of environmental factors to maintain the character of the site and was this month awarded a Considerate Constructors Performance Beyond Compliance Certificate for the team’s sensitivity to the surrounding environment, communities and neighbourhoods.

Andrew Murphy at Maple Grove Developments, said: “Brindle Road provides an attractive new residential area with quality properties that make a positive contribution to the local community.

“Social housing developments are on the rise with political parties now recognising the economic benefits of increased housing supply and ensuring the correct footings are in place to deliver this.”

Eric Tamanis, Executive Director of Business Development and Property Services at Progress Housing Group, added: “It’s really satisfying to see this first phase of the development finished and tenants being given the keys to their new homes.

“By working successfully The Eric Wright Group, the Homes and Communities Agency and South Ribble Borough Council we have been able to build a high standard of affordable housing in Bamber Bridge for local people at an affordable price.”

The new development received funding from the Homes and Communities Agency and support from South Ribble Borough Council. The project architect was MPSL Planning & Design and phase two of the scheme is expected to complete in May 2015.

Miss Alicia Perrin, 24 and her three month old baby boy Harry with the keys to their new home.

Back row left to right Bill Mason, Finishing Manager at Eric Wright Construction, Joel Casstles, Site Manager at Eric Wright Construction and Dai Howells, Development Manager at Progress Housing Group