Spirit Partnership

A DIAMOND couple have celebrated a new start for York residents moving into their new homes built for the community.

Elsie and Ray Lamb have become two of Tees Valley Housing’s first residents to move into their state-of-the-art new bungalow, as part of an impressive £20m development in the city.

It was the second festivity in as many months for the couple, who celebrated 60 years of wedded bliss at the end of March.

As a special anniversary treat and to celebrate their move into a new home, the couple were thrilled to receive vouchers from Tees Valley Housing for York’s famous Betty’s Tea Rooms

Mrs Lamb, 83, said: “I was ecstatic the first time I saw the bungalows. We are thrilled to bits.

“Fancy being married 60 years and then moving into a brand new home. It’s like a new start.”

A total of 196 new homes, replacing 100 prefabricated bungalows on three sites, are being constructed close to York centre in a partnership between City of York Council, York Housing Association, Tees Valley Housing, which is part of Fabrick Housing Group and Southdale, which specialises in the construction of social and residential housing and public build projects.

The partnership has made the tenants’ choices a top priority in the move from the pre-fabricated bungalows to the new purpose-built bungalows on the same site.

“It is a really nice area and everyone is so lovely,” added Mrs Lamb. “I would not have wanted to move from here.

“We used to go to all the meetings and we are more than happy with everything we have been told. The lads on site have also been great. They have worked really hard and they will get my gratitude.”

This first phase of the scheme welcomed 15 tenants into 12 bungalows at St Ann’s Court. The next phase will see more tenants move during the next few weeks

Tenants from demolished homes were given first allocation of 60 bungalows across the three sites at St Ann’s Court, Regent Street and Richmond/Faber Street.

An additional 95 houses and apartments are also under construction to offer homes at affordable rents, as well as giving local people the opportunity to buy homes at discounted rates.

Residents have been consulted throughout the key planning stages of the project, with representatives from the residents’ development committee assisting the project board with decision-making on bungalow design and how to best meet the current and future housing needs of older people in York.

New tenants have been able to choose their kitchens and bathrooms and are anticipating lower fuel bills thanks to solar panels. There will be improved parking for bikes, electric mobility scooters and cars.

The development will also boast a development of apartments for older people, Auden House, named after the poet W.H. Auden, who was born in York.

The scheme is the first of its kind in York and will consist of 41 apartments and a range of facilities that will be open to the general public, such as a bistro, a shop and a hairdresser. The complex offers residents the chance to live independently in their own home with as much or as little care as they need.

Sue Jeffrey, Chair of the Tees Valley Housing Board, said: “Although some people had already moved into their new homes as part of the scheme, Mr and Mrs Lamb are Tees Valley Housing’s first residents to benefit from their brand new bungalow and we are thrilled to welcome them.

“Not only are these properties spacious and modern, they also have state-of-the-art features that mean reduced fuel bills and helping the environment. We sincerely hope they enjoy their new home and look forward to more current residents joining them to continue their close knit community.”

Christine Storrs, Chief Executive of York Housing Association, said: “We are very pleased to be working in partnership with Tees Valley Housing, playing our part in helping to make everyone’s move into their new home as smooth as possible.”

Steve Waddington, Head of Housing Services for City of York Council, said: “It’s been nearly five years since we first started talking to residents about the future of their homes and it’s great to see the first tenants moving into their new homes.

“The nature of this development has changed over time, but the core principles of resident involvement in the design of the scheme have resulted in not only new homes being built, but the retention of an existing community.”

Paul Moore, Managing Director of Southdale, added: “We’re at an exciting phase in the construction of this scheme, which is creating and enriching an entire community. On behalf of the team here at Southdale, I’d like to wish Elsie and Ray a warm welcome to their new home.”