Derelict garages transformed into happy homes for Christmas
The transformation of seven unused garage sites in Walthamstow and Woodford Green into 63 beautiful homes is almost complete, with the first six families receiving their keys in time for Christmas.
Local affordable housing provider, East Thames Group, has been working hard with Waltham Forest Council and construction company Hill Partnerships - to turn these derelict sites around and create a mix of one and two bedroom flats and three, four and five bedroom houses and maisonettes.
More than half of the 63 homes will have three, four or five bedrooms and will make a significant contribution towards the provision of much needed family-sized homes in the borough. As part of a recent tour, Cllr Saima Mahmud, the Council’s Cabinet Member for Housing and Development, visited some of the completed family-sized homes.
The spacious new homes will also be very energy efficient, helping families reduce their energy bills too. Some of the units will also be adapted for wheelchair access throughout.
Mr Pharwaha is one of the residents who just received the keys to his new four bedroom home. He said “my new house is beautiful, I give it 10 out of 10. My previous house was cramped and overcrowded. We now have so much space inside and out side our home to enjoy. From start to finish East Thames staff have been excellent, bring on 2012 – a new year and new start in the perfect place to bring up my family”.
The garage sites will be completed in phases, starting with Parkstone Road, Coleridge Road and Carlton Road sites before Christmas, and completing with The Drive in August 2012.
Cllr Saima Mahmud said: “The development of these garage sites will deliver significant benefits to residents. The creation of these new homes for rent will mean that our families in housing need in the borough will benefit from high quality and affordable homes”.
Trevor Burns, assistant director of development for East Thames Group said, “As one of the borough’s affordable investment partners we are excited to be part of this innovative project providing much needed family homes and making the best use of the land available. We look forward to helping Waltham Forest Council with further opportunities to bring large homes on board at a time when homes ideal for families are needed the most.”
Jamie Hunter, development director, Hill Partnerships Limited said, “The Council and East Thames have been imaginative in bringing forward these sites as land is such a valuable and scarce commodity in London. However, delivery is key and Hill has an excellent track record of redeveloping garage sites with East Thames, in Waltham Forest and other London boroughs, to provide high quality new affordable homes.”
