In response to the acute demand for new, high quality homes in Keswick, Derwent & Solway Housing Association, a member of Harvest Housing Group, will commence work on a £6 million development of 42 new family homes in Keswick at the end of September. Following a comprehensive competitive tendering process, Thomas Armstrong has been selected to build the properties; this significant contract to a locally based company will help to sustain local jobs.
The new development is being funded by Derwent & Solway and the Housing Corporation and will consist of 3 and 4 bedroom houses. The new family homes, which will all be available to rent, will be located near Trinity Way and completion is expected in early 2010.
The addition of these homes in the area will be welcomed by families requiring affordable homes from a housing provider well known for its commitment to residents. They will also benefit from several energy efficient features within the homes.
Each house will feature heating and plumbing systems using either solar panels or air source heat pumps to supplement the standard heating systems. This will mean both lower energy bills for residents and a reduction in carbon emissions for the environment, both of which Harvest Housing Group are committed to achieving.
Robert Porter, Director of Derwent & Solway commented:
“This is a very important scheme for Keswick and the Lake District and will provide crucial family housing in the area. The support we have received from all involved parties, including Keswick Town Council, Allerdale Borough Council, the Lake District planners and the Housing Corporation has been fundamental in bringing the plans for this unique development to fruition. Continued…
We now look forward to welcoming the first residents into the homes in 2010”.
Michael Johnson, Chair of Derwent & Solway said:
“This scheme demonstrates our continued commitment to providing high quality homes that are both appropriate to people’s needs and within areas where demand for housing continues to grow”.
John Carleton, the Housing Corporation's Field Director for the North added:
"This project is an excellent example of what the Housing Corporation is achieving in partnership with housing associations and local authorities in small towns and rural areas across the North. I am absolutely delighted that our investment will be used to deliver high quality affordable housing to really meet the needs of the local community."
A ceremony will take place in October to celebrate the ‘laying of the first brick’ on the new development.
Further details regarding the new development is available from Ben Brinicombe, Property Regeneration Manager at Derwent & Solway Housing Association on Tel: 01900 607 533.