Hightown Housing Association unveiled 25 new homes for social rent at an opening event at York House in St Albans.
Previously occupied by a car dealership, Hightown has transformed the derelict space on Ashley Road in St Albans into a new development consisting of 25 one- and two-bedroom flats.
The official opening event was attended by Daisy Cooper MP for St Albans, who declared the homes officially open alongside the Mayor of St Albans, Cllr Jamie Day. The event was also attended by councillors and staff from St Albans City and District Council, staff and Board members from Hightown plus contractors and consultants involved in the development.
Funding provided by Homes England allowed all the flats to be made available for social rent. All of the homes will be allocated to people in housing need from St Albans City and District Council’s housing register.
Built by Hightown’s contractor Entex Projects Ltd, it boasts a modern feel with private patio access on ground floor flats, a private balcony on middle floors and skylights on the top floor flats.
David Bogle, Chief Executive at Hightown Housing Association, said:
“With the support from Homes England, it’s fantastic to be able to provide more homes for social rent in St Albans. As one of the most expensive places to rent or buy a home in the country, I’m delighted that we will be giving local families and people the opportunity to move out of temporary or unsuitable accommodation and into a high quality, affordable place to call home. It’s vital that we continue to build social housing developments such as this to help end the housing crisis.”
Daisy Cooper MP, Deputy Leader of the Liberal Democrats, added:
“Homes are more than just a place of bricks and mortar, they are a place of safety, security, comfort and a place of belonging. It is great to know that many people in our community will be able to experience this safety and security by moving into York House. It is going to change people’s lives.”
Cllr Jamie Day, Mayor of St Albans, said:
“I am very pleased to help open this development at York House on Ashley Road. This project meets two of the priorities of St Albans City and District council – the 25 new flats add to our stock of homes for social rent, helping to alleviate the pressure on our housing register. Also, it represents an important utilisation of a brown field site for housing”
