ForHousing and Fylde Council have completed work on a new housing development in Kirkham, bringing 32 much needed homes for Affordable Rent to the Fylde Coast.
The £3.7m Sunnybank scheme has been developed by ForHousing working in collaboration with Fylde Council. It will provide desperately-needed homes to the area that currently has a housing waiting list of more than 1,641 people.
ForHousing is a progressive landlord that owns and manages more than 24,000 homes and delivers housing management services for other landlords. It invests in homes and spaces to fuel people’s potential and improve lives.
Fylde Council has invested £920,000 of its own funds into the Sunnybank development, which played a vital role in unlocking land for regeneration.
The development includes six three-bedroom and 16 two-bedroom houses along with 10 two-bedroom apartments, with the homes to be managed by ForHousing. The second phase of the scheme has been supported by an additional £360,000 of funding from Homes England.
Katherine Brearley, one of the first tenants to move into one of the new homes, said: “I am extremely happy with my apartment.
“This is our first home for me and my son as a family, after living with my parents in an overcrowded property. We are really grateful we have been given this opportunity to have a new build property in the town I have grown up in. It’s so nice to have our own independence and space.”
Nigel Sedman, Group Director of Homes commented: “At ForHousing we believe that homes are the first building block on the journey to a better life.
“Fylde is no exception when it comes to the housing crisis, with demand vastly outstripping supply. We are committed to tackling this issue to improve lives and create opportunities. It’s a real milestone to see these 32 new affordable homes being handed over.
“We have worked together with Fylde Council who have taken a forward-thinking approach to unlocking land and investing in building new homes. We look forward to continuing to partner with them in future to meet housing need in our local communities.”
Kirstin Riding, Housing Services Manager at Fylde Council added: ‘’This scheme will provide much needed quality affordable homes for Fylde residents on a site previously occupied by a disused old mill. We have worked closely with ForHousing to deliver a scheme that provides homes that will fit into the local area and improve the surroundings for everyone.’’
A planning application for the next phase of development at the site, which will include 43 new homes and apartments, is due to be submitted shortly.
ForHousing is working in partnership with Fylde Council on a number of housing developments including 12 new homes on Church Lane, Warton. In addition 21 homes in Willow Edge, Wrea Green and 27 apartments at Brookwood Park for Affordable Rent are all nearing completion.
Pictured above is Katherine Brearley at her new home with Rebecca Lee, ForHousing Property Management Officer.