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PRESS RELEASE Communities Secretary Visits Grove Village Housing PFI Scheme
Ruth Kelly visited Grove Village in Ardwick, Manchester, on Friday 10th November, to view the transformation of the estate in to a modern, mixed tenure urban village which has an exciting future. She also met tenants Anne and Joseph Herbertson, who have benefited from the major internal and external refurbishment of their two-bedroom home. Mr and Mrs Herbertson have lived in their Bletchley Close home since it was first built in the early 1970s. Unsurprisingly, they have seen dramatic changes in that time and say the area has really improved since Grove Village took up the reins, in 2003. Great-grandmother Anne, 89, said: “We have had work carried out to the inside and outside of our home, it’s quite amazing really. The improvements that have made the biggest difference for us are the double glazed windows, the secure front and back doors and the new kitchen; the house now feels so much warmer and secure.” The project is the first Government-backed Private Finance Initiative (PFI) scheme for social housing to reach contractual close – a landmark that was achieved in March 2003. Just three years in to this £100 million, 30 year project, the impact has been nothing short of dramatic. What was a poorly-designed, under invested 1970’s council housing estate is quickly becoming a highly sought-after area with a renewed sense of local pride. Success has been down to a far-reaching, imaginative programme which combines housing refurbishment, clearance, new build, creative environmental works and strong community involvement. Communities Secretary Ruth Kelly said: “Social housing must live up to modern standards. In the 21st Century people deserve homes with decent kitchens and bathrooms, with proper heating and modern, weatherproof windows, walls and doors. “It is vital that projects like these deliver modern desirable homes, which make a real difference to the lives of residents and secure a strong, safe and sustainable future for communities.” The project is being delivered on behalf of Manchester City Council by a consortium called Grove Village Limited – made up of MJ Gleeson Group, Harvest Housing Group and Nationwide Building Society. Councillor Eddy Newman, Manchester City Council’s Executive Member for Housing, said: “I am delighted to show the Government how its investment in Grove Village has benefited local residents and the community. “The Grove Village project is already playing a major part in the long-term social and economic rejuvenation of the estate and the surrounding area. “The work is creating new demand for homes, raising property prices, generating local jobs, improving local amenities and changing the tenure mix to 50% private ownership, 50% social rented. “I am proud to be able to show the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government the results of all of our efforts first hand.” ENDS |
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