WORK is progressing to build new affordable homes at the site of an old church that became a magnet for anti-social behaviour.
The new housing scheme in Winyates, known as St Gregory’s in recognition of the catholic church which once stood on the site, will provide a total of 25 new homes once construction is complete.
The development is being built by the in-house construction team of housing association GreenSquareAccord (GSA).
The St Gregory’s development will deliver 12 homes for social rent while 13 properties will be made available under a shared ownership scheme.
The first stage of construction includes the demolition of St Gregory’s Church. The Church closed its doors in 2005 and fell into a state of disrepair thereafter. The grounds of the church had become targeted by antisocial behaviour in recent years.
The site has now been cleared and levelled out with the installation of highways and utilities infrastructure commencing soon.
Redditch MP Chris Bloore, who recently visited the site, said: "I’m delighted to see the progress at the St Gregory’s development in Winyates.
"These 25 energy-efficient homes will not only provide much-needed social housing but also offer affordable options for first-time buyers through the shared ownership scheme.
“This project is an important step in addressing the housing needs of Redditch, while promoting sustainability through the use of low-carbon materials. I’m proud to support initiatives that both improve the quality of life for local residents and contribute to our broader goals of building a greener, fairer future for everyone in our community."
Carl Taylor, assistant director of New Business and Growth at GSA, said: “It was a real pleasure to welcome Chris Bloore to our St Gregory’s scheme which will provide 25 much needed homes in Winyates.
“As well as providing social homes, we are creating opportunities for would-be homeowners to get their first rung on the property ladder by releasing some of our homes in Winyates through a shared ownership scheme.
“I am grateful to all the GSA colleagues who have worked hard to ensure that shovels are in the ground.”
The new homes in Winyates will be built using pre-fabricated timber panels supplied by LoCaL Homes- our award winning, low carbon manufacturing facility based in Walsall.
Mike Doolan, sales and partnership manager at LoCaL Homes, added: “We are really pleased to be involved in this project which will deliver thermally efficient homes in Winyates.
“The future residents of this affordable housing development will benefit from many of the features of living in a modern, energy-efficient home. The fabric of the homes will be constructed from sustainable, low carbon materials that will ultimately lower overall energy demand which will result in reduced heating bills.”
GSA is also leading on a £35million regeneration project near Redditch Train station with an investment which will see 200 high quality new social homes built.
The first phases of this scheme have delivered 40 one and two-bedroom apartments for social rent at Passingham Place and an innovative virtually plastic-free housing scheme, known as the CHARM building, comprising 12 one-bed apartments.
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