A number of property improvements and new developments are to be carried out throughout South Workington as a part of a major regeneration project.
The new development programme will provide improved and more affordable homes to residents in the area. In addition to the property improvements, local services are being scrutinised by the South Workington Neighbourhood Management Partnership with the aim of improving the provision of public and voluntary sector services within the area.
Mark Fryer, South Workington Neighbourhood Manager said:
“We support the proposed improvements to the properties and local environment in the area. The increase in available affordable homes will provide more choice for local people. These proposals complement our ultimate aim of improving the quality of life for local residents residing in South Workington.”
Proposals include new affordable homes on Casson Road and Grasmere Avenue. In addition to this, there will be improvements to some of the homes and the general environment on Grasmere Avenue. New rented bungalows are planned for Needham Drive and Grasmere Avenue (Moorclose Croft). The programme is being delivered by Derwent & Solway (D&S) as part of the Furness & West Cumbria Housing Market Renewal Partnership (HMRP). The partnership involves the local authorities from Allerdale, Copeland and Barrow, Westlakes Renaissance, Home Group and Derwent & Solway Housing Association.
Robert Porter, Director at D&S said:
“Our proposals are based upon feedback from local residents over a period of time and we have recently held open public meetings where the vast majority of local residents supported our proposals. We have targeted those areas where we recognise the need to not only improve the homes but the overall environment. There is an acknowledged need for more affordable bungalows and family homes in these areas and this work begins to address this need. We are excited about the plans which will begin to change the landscape of South Workington and will directly benefit many individuals and families in the area.”
15 brand new family homes, with integral garages, for outright sale are planned in the Casson Road area, replacing a number of existing 1-bedroom flats.
Robert Porter added:
“The plans have meant that the relocation of some residents has been necessary but we have consulted at length with those involved, all of whom are being offered alternative homes in areas of their choice. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the residents directly affected for their support and co-operation. ”
Improvements to Grasmere Drive include enhanced external boundary treatments to over 60 properties, the modernisation of 10 semi-detached properties for outright sale and part of the sheltered housing site (Moorclose Croft), to create 8 newly built modern bungalows designed for rent by older people, plans for additional rented bungalows for Needham Drive are still being finalised discussion.
Other issues being assessed as part of the developments, include parking arrangements, redundant areas of land, public areas and the need for secure fencing.
Rob Rimmer at Westlakes Renaissance said:
“We are committed to helping create the right type of housing which supports sustainable communities and meets the future needs of our economy. I think Derwent & Solway Housing Association’s plans as part of South Workington’s overall neighbourhood strategy will really help make it a great place for people to want to buy a house and live in, and we are delighted to support them. This is one of a number of projects being delivered throughout West Cumbria and Barrow over the next 2 years under the £14m Furness & West Cumbria Housing Market Renewal Programme.”
David Martin, Allerdale Borough Council's Director of Partnerships and Community commented:
"Along with Derwent and Solway, Allerdale Borough Council is a key
partner in the Furness and West Cumbria Housing Market Renewal
programme and we are delighted to see the planned improvements in the South Workington area taking shape. This work will really help regenerate the local neighbourhood and complement other work the Council is undertaking to transform the social and economic future of Allerdale."