Oakapple Close Starts to Bear Fruit
Posted: Jun 4, 2010
This scheme is very much a collaboration between the public and private sector and is an excellent example of what can be achieved for local communities supported with funding from the HCA and Colchester Borough Council.
The development includes 73 properties which will be totally renovated by Iceni. Planned improvements include the installation of new kitchens, bathrooms and central heating systems, as well as plumbing and electrical work. In addition, the properties will be re-roofed, insulated and extensions will be built to upgrade the homes to meet the requirements of the 21st Century.
Once complete the homes will be made available to local people in housing need through Colchester Council's Choice-based Lettings Scheme.
With phase one of the development now underway, phase two has been given a boost with the announcement that Iceni Homes and Colne Housing Society have been successful in their bid for funding from the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA). The grant, which is worth an additional £2 million to construct 61 new homes, will make Oakapple Close the largest scheme ever undertaken by Colne Housing Society, delivering 134 affordable houses and bungalows in Colchester at a cost of £19.5 million.
Steve Heywood, Regional Director of Iceni said: "This development is particularly rewarding as we have controlled the complete process from inception to completion. This has enabled us to tailor the design of the properties to best fit the objectives of Colchester Borough Council.
This in turn significantly increases the use of limited resources by investing in a scheme which meets the highest need. In addition, we have been able to bring back into use properties declared surplus by the MOD and generate additional local business at a time when it was most needed."
Colne Housing Society Chief Executive Mark Powell-Davies said: "The plans for Oakapple Close are very forward thinking and are a clear example of how the needs of our future residents are our primary concern."
Councillor Tim Young, Portfolio Holder for Housing and Community Safety, said: "The Council continues to work towards providing secure, decent and affordable homes for all. We are happy to be a part of this partnership which will benefit a large number of Colchester residents."
