Rob Flello MP joined Blurton residents to officially open a redevelopment that has transformed a previously run-down area.
Aspire Housing was appointed by Stoke-on-Trent City Council, as part of the RENEW North Staffordshire housing market renewal programme, to lead on the development of a Masterplan for the Blurton and Newstead areas.
As part of the plan, houses and bedsits in Denham Square were demolished and replaced with 17 new bungalows, including two specifically designed to temporarily house individuals with spinal injuries who have left hospital and are recovering.
Aspire Housing funded £1,000,000 of the project costs, and secured a further £920,000 from The Housing Corporation.
Rob Flello MP was delighted with the new housing and said: "This is a fabulous new housing development for some of the more vulnerable members of our community.It shows the very best that can be achieved when well respected charities and forward looking housing associations can work with a department of the City Council that listens to the needs of its citizens.
He continued: “I am very proud to be at this opening made possible by government and third sector investment".
Newly named ‘Denham Gardens’ provides its residents with new homes (all fitted with Aspire Housing’s Carecall facilities), landscaped frontages and car parking facilities.
Resident, Joan Sloan, is delighted with her new house.She said:“I feel really comfortable and settled in my home.
She continued: “The City Council and Aspire Housing have been brilliant and nothing has been too much trouble for them.”
The official opening ceremony concluded with the planting of a tree on the site and a chance for residents to talk with Rob Flello MP and representatives from the organisations involved, at a celebration at the nearby Winifred Gardens community centre.
Aspire Housing will continue to work in the area with the redevelopment of Ingestre Square, that will provide new homes, shops and community facilities.
For further details about the project call Mark Roe on 01782 635 200 or email at mroe@aspirehousing.co.uk
ENDS
Quotes from Aspire Housing and Stoke-on-Trent City Council:
Jane Price, Chairman, Aspire Housing Chairman
“It’s fantastic to see the impact and the difference that Aspire Housing makes to the lives and living environments for local people.
She continued: “We look forward to continuing our work in the area with the next phase of the re-development of Ingestre Square.”
Councillor Joan Bell, portfolio holder for community safety
"Denham Gardens is a significant step forward for the elderly community in Blurton. It offers them a high standard of housing and the Residents Association has told us that they are very happy with all the work that has been done, including that of our Neighbourhood Renewal Team. The residents have nominated them for an award because of their work with this project, and it's good to see that everyone is being recognised for their involvement."
Additional information:
A representative from Aspire (spinal injuries national charity) will be attending the event. The two houses specifically designed to house people recovering from spinal injuries have not yet been used.
Guests will be invited to take a look inside a couple of the homes at the event on 14th.
The Denham Gardens site gained accreditation from Secured by Design - an initiative run by the Police – for security and safety.
An opportunity to get quotes from residents and other organisations in attendance
