Ref: PRSH119 Date: 04 June 2016 

Transformation of West Way well underway

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The regeneration of the Highfields area of Stafford is well underway with 32 new affordable, modern and energy-efficient homes taking shape on the site of a former pub.

Due for completion in March next year, the £3.9 million project by Stafford and Rural Homes (SARH) in West Way will provide a significant boost for an important part of the town, providing affordable homes to rent and shared ownership to meet local needs.

During a recent site visit,Cllr Jeremy Pert, Cabinet Member for Communities at Stafford Borough Council, was shown around the development by SARH Chief Executive Karen Armitage andAlan Nixon, Director at Novus Property Solutions, the housing association's developer partner on the project.

"As SARH celebrates its tenth anniversary, this latest development once again demonstrates our commitment to providing affordable homes to rent, or for shared ownership, that are needed by the communities we serve.

"At the same time we are really providing a boost for many communities across the borough by improving the appearance of important neighbourhoods and providing training opportunities for young people.

"By working with local suppliers and contractors on these projects we are also delivering an economic boost to the area and helping to create and safeguard dozens of jobs."

The development includes 18 apartments and ten two- and three-bedroomed properties, and they are being built with the help of £640k of funding from the Homes and Community Agency (HCA). The scheme also has the full backing of Stafford Borough Council.

Councillor Pert commented: "The Westway public house held such a prominent position in the Highfields community that it was important to replace it with something that would be just as significant and this development of a mixture of affordable houses for the residents of Stafford to benefit from is just that sort of development. 

"The mix of housing on the site will also help families as well as single people to benefit from its proximity to shops and services as well as the centre of Stafford. The work that SARH has done, in not only finding something so well suited to the site but also incorporating specific elements into the design, is to be welcomed as part of a steady flow of similar new developments that they are delivering across the whole of Stafford Borough."

Ahead of work starting on the site, which is adjacent to King Edward VI High School, 20 disused garages were demolished along with the derelict public house.

Alan Nixon from Novus added: "Collaborating with a number of stakeholders and agencies, the Novus site team is working to the Considerate Constructors standard, ensuring that our workers have excellent conditions and facilities and that neighbours to the site are fully engaged with to minimise disruption caused by the activities on site. Our business strategy is to contribute towards sustaining communities and this scheme is a great opportunity for us to achieve this in Stafford."

The project is one of several affordable housing schemes currently under construction by SARH and its partners. Anyone interested in applying for a new home can register their interest at www.sarh.co.uk.

Caption:

On site at the West Way development are (left to right): Cllr Jeremy Pert, Cabinet Member for Communities at Stafford Borough Council; SARH Chief Executive Karen Armitage andAlan Nixon, Director at Novus Property Solutions.

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Editor's Notes

Media contact:

Martin Farrow

CHANGEWORKS Communications
t:  + 44 (0) 1785 247588

m: +44 (0)7771 970025

e: mfarrow@changeworkscom.co.uk

Stafford and Rural Homes contact:

Mara Hargreaves
Marketing Manager

t:01785 216793 (Direct) 

m:07800 619 863 (Mobile)  

e: mara.hargreaves@sarh.co.uk