Third Phase - Work starts on Oakapple Close
Posted: Nov 2, 2009
Work has just got underway on one of the most innovative schemes in Colchester to renovate former army homes into new affordable rented property.
The project is being undertaken by, Iceni Homes, one of the East of England’s leading developers of affordable houses.
The first phase of the work will see 83 homes being renovated and released as affordable rented property for many families and people who would otherwise not get onto the housing ladder.
Iceni Home's Regional Director, Steve Heywood, said: “This moment has been a long time in the planning and I am really excited that the construction work is now underway. We have worked very closely in partnership with Colchester Borough Council and other housing agencies plus architects and builders to make this happen. As a result we know we shall be providing top quality affordable homes for people right in the heart of Colchester.”
The cost of upgrading the 83 properties in Oakapple Close is £12.5m.
Iceni Homes is the development arm of Colne Housing Society in Colchester, Suffolk Housing Society in Bury St Edmunds and Hundred Houses in Cambridgeshire. The Oakapple Close homes will be managed through Colchester-based Colne Housing.
This significant development marks another key phase in Iceni's rapid growth as the Oakapple Close scheme will be one of Colne Housing's largest in Colchester.
A planning application for Phase Two of the project has now been submitted. If approved it would extend the housing provision on Oakapple Close from the present stock of 83 homes up to a total of 135 homes.
