Canal side living: Trust development programme for Chester
The first resident at new city centre canal side homes cut the ribbon today (THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 2) to launch Chester & District Housing Trust’s (CDHT’s) latest development to reach completion.
CDHT’s Suffolk House has been completed on time and to budget at a cost of £3.2 million, providing 32 city centre two-bed apartments for the over 55’s at Francis Street, Newtown. The development is the latest of the Trust’s portfolio to be completed and closely follows CDHT residents celebrating the completion of the £12.3 million Chester Point regeneration project at Treborth Road, Blacon.
The first Suffolk House resident Jan Bartley joined CDHT Chief Executive John Denny, Ward Councillors, CDHT Board Members, City Panel and Resident Board Members at the launch.
CDHT, a lead developer partner of the Homes and Communities Agency and a major developer across Cheshire West, has completed Suffolk House as part of a £27.8 million development programme across Cheshire West. All schemes underpin CDHT’s commitment to innovation, quality and sustainability by being built to the demanding Eco-Code Level 3 standard. The Suffolk House project was completed by contractor Seddon, who are working in partnership on various developments with CDHT.
Speaking at the launch, Chief Executive of CDHT John Denny, said:
“Developments like this one are the product of real partnerships. Partnerships with the residents are most worthwhile; the result here is based on talking to people and putting something on the ground that meets needs.”
Dave Soothill, CDHT Assistant Director – Asset Management & Development, added:
“Suffolk House delivers cutting edge city centre living at a very high standard in Chester. We have worked closely with partners such as Cheshire West & Chester Council and stakeholders, including residents, to ensure the success of Suffolk House, which is an important part of our wider development programme. We are delivering sustainable communities that signal our intent to continue to regenerate for the benefit of Chester and beyond.”
Jonathan Seddon, Managing Director of Seddon, added:
“The completion of any job is a very satisfying experience, but the handover of this project has been particularly rewarding. Not only is it a fantastic building but it meets an identified need for this type of housing for the over 55’s and I am sure the residents are looking forward to moving into their new homes.”
More homes are being developed at Kingslea House, Boughton and Rakeway, Saughall, delivering 30 apartments, 27 two-bed and three one-beds by early Spring 2011. The development at Hoole House provides 24 high specification apartments to rent with a further 12 on a shared ownership basis. Wain House will provide 27 two-bed and 10 one-bed homes for rent, with both Wain House and Hoole House due to be completed by early 2011.
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Caption:
(L-R) First Suffolk House resident Jan Bartley, Chief Executive of CDHT John Denny with Kate Reeves, CDHT Board Member and Chair of Development at the Suffolk House launch
(L-R) Jonathan Seddon, Managing Director of Seddon, Jan Bartley, first resident at Suffolk House and John Denny, CDHT Chief Executive
CDHT’s Suffolk House development at Francis Street, Newtown
Notes to editors
Chester & District Housing Trust (CDHT) is a dynamic and enterprising organisation at the forefront of delivering positive impacts in the communities with which it works. The Trust’s homes span six communities – Blacon North; Blacon South; Chester City Area; The Rurals; Lache and Handbridge; Upton, Hoole, Newton and Plas Newton.
Committed to the best principles of social enterprise with over 14,000 local customers in 6,200 properties and 53% of its 275 colleagues living within its communities, the Trust adheres to key commitments and principles relating to people, places, partnerships and performance which underpin the Vision to ‘create opportunity’, through its mission, ‘by doing the right thing’.
The Trust is about being transparent and accountable in everything that is done and to this end is one of the first organisations nationally to have established a Residents’ Board, with full delegated powers from the Trust Board, to direct services which impact upon their lives.
The Trust has a comprehensive development programme delivering over 330 new homes including the £12million regeneration of the Treborth Road area of Chester providing new homes for rent, sale and shared ownership, as well as a village green and wildlife habitats.
CDHT also provides services on a partnership basis, to a number of other customers e.g. Telecare services, TrustWorks Maintenance Services, Housing Options advice, waiting list management and choice based lettings to neighbouring local authorities and registered social landlords.
The Trust is rated as two Star excellent by the Audit Commission, has the highest possible rating from Telecare Services Association and is also credited Investors in People and is the overall Employer of the Year For Cheshire West. It has been in the ‘Top 100 Sunday Times best companies to work for’ for the last 3 years, reaching its highest position of 47th this year.
For more details please visit www.cdht.org or request a copy of CDHT’s Corporate Plan 2009-2014.
CDHT Press Contacts: Phil Brotherhood
E: phil@marketingprojects.co.uk M: 07884 493370
Jane Harrad-Roberts
E: jane@marketingprojects.co.uk M: 07785 395705
W: www.marketingprojects.co.uk T: 01244 330000
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