Construction has finished on six brand new local council houses, providing much needed affordable permanent homes for Redbridge families.
Redbridge Council reached this significant milestone in its council house building programme, despite much of the country still being in lockdown, by adhering to the strict working arrangements issued by Public Health England.
The development in Wessex Close, Newbury Park, includes six 3-bedroom homes that are now available for local families to move into. The Wessex Close development will enhance the area and deliver new homes that are well-designed, well-built, energy-efficient, and complement the character of the area.
The development is on a former underutilised garage site and was delivered by the Council working in partnership with Aspen Build Limited (constructor) and Baily Garner (professional services)
Local people who have been on the housing register for years now have an opportunity to move into a beautiful new home. Each house is fitted with modern central heating and offers off-street parking. Each of the new homes also has a garden.
The new homes will be available at London Affordable Rents.
Redbridge Council has committed to build 600 new, permanent, affordable council homes for rent on existing council-owned sites by 2022. Funding amounting to £20 million was secured from GLA Building Homes for London to help deliver these homes.
The Leader of Redbridge Council, Cllr Jas Athwal commented, “London is in the midst of a housing crisis, with house prices and rent soaring and historical underbuilding of council homes in Redbridge many local families have struggled to find an affordable, secure place to live.
Building top quality, affordable council houses for local people has always been a priority for my administration and I am delighted that these brand new homes in Wessex Close are now ready for families to move into.
In 2018 I pledged to build 600 affordable council homes, and this development is one step towards this goal.”
Councillor Farah Hussain, Cabinet Member for Housing & Homelessness, said: “We’re really pleased these new homes have now been completed and are available for local families to move into. Newbury Park is an excellent location with good schools, as well as easy access to central London via the Central Line.
“It’s no secret that we face a severe housing crisis in London, and Redbridge is no different in that respect. Building new council housing is just one of the many ways of how we’re trying to deliver new decent homes for people in the borough.
“What makes it more impressive is that we’ve managed to complete this scheme at such a difficult and unpredictable time. I must hasten to add that we have followed all the guidelines set out by Public Health England, ensuring the site was safe at all times for workers. Everyone involved should be really of their efforts.
“We look forward to seeing more homes reach completion soon as part of this extremely ambitious housebuilding programme.”
Syeda Rakib is one of the new tenants of Wessex Close. She has just moved in with her two children. Syeda said: “I’m just really pleased to have finally moved in. Once I have unpacked everything, it will then feel like home.
“I like how quiet it feels on the close. It feels a lot more restful and homely than where I previously was. I’m just so pleased I have moved in.”