New partnership will help provide more, affordable homes in
South Gloucestershire
6th April
Around 100 new affordable homes are expected to
be built in the next three years, as a result of a development
agreement just signed between Merlin Housing Society and Somer
Community Housing Trust.
Merlin owns almost 8,000 homes that transferred from South
Gloucestershire Council in 2007. The partnership with Somer
Community Housing Trust will allow it to build the new homes in the
area, using the Trust’s development and construction services
expertise.
Somer Community Housing Trust’s role involves finding
appropriate sites and working with planners and contractors to
deliver schemes. The Trust has already built up a reputation in
South Gloucestershire, working with the council to provide
affordable homes to rent and buy. This agreement puts Merlin and
the Trust in a stronger position to bid for government money,
through the Homes and Communities Agency, to build even more
homes.
The two Chairs met on Tuesday, 17th March to officially sign the
agreement.
Les Good, chairman of Merlin Housing Society, said:
‘We are delighted to be able to draw upon the
Trust’s experience and know-how to help us deliver new, affordable
homes in South Gloucestershire and I hope this is the start of a
long and successful partnership.
‘We know that there is a huge demand for
affordable housing in the area and developing new homes for local
people will help to alleviate this. We are already looking at two
sites in the district for possible future development to provide
new homes for local people.’
John Bader, Chair of Somer Community Housing Trust, said:
‘This is an exciting step forward for the
Trust and Merlin, two of the largest social landlords in the West
of England. Despite the credit crunch, affordable homes have never
been off the agenda, and in this recession, it’s even more
important that we can provide the homes that so many people
desperately need.’
The Trust is very keen to hear of opportunities
in the South Gloucestershire area, where affordable new homes could
be built. Please call James Read, Development Officer, on 01225
366020.
|
|