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Press Release |
Ref:PRSH296 Date: February 16, 2021
Landmark building is officially named
A new building transforming a key gateway into the centre of Stafford has been officially named. The high profile development of 80 one and two-bedroomed apartments on the corner of Riverway and Lammascote Road will be known asWren House.
Stafford and Rural Homes has partnered with Barnfield Construction to develop the new homes, which will be available for affordable rent exclusively for people aged 55-plus.
The new name was chosen by Sarah Boden, chief executive of Housing Plus Group which Stafford and Rural Homes joined in 2019.
"As an organisation providing much-needed homes in rural communities as well as town centres, we have begun a tradition of naming developments after some of our favourite birds," she explained. "The wren seemed particularly appropriate because it symbolises wisdom, action and enthusiasm for life. That is very much what we want to support for the residents of Wren House."
Offering self-contained apartments within walking distance of the town centre, Wren House is exciting the interest of key workers as well as those who have retired.
"The development is reserved for people aged over 55 but of course many of us are working well beyond that age," added Sarah Boden. "We are receiving enquiries from people who are working locally and who tell us that they are finding it really difficult to rent good quality, secure accommodation in the area.
"When we merged with Stafford and Rural Homes, we pledged to build more homes and to provide specialist housing options and additional care for local people as they grow older. As one of the region's largest affordable housing providers we are determined to make a positive difference to homes, lives and communities in this area. The construction of Wren House is a big step towards fulfilling that vision."
Wren House is built on the site of former Staffordshire Country Council offices and the project has been supported by £3.96million of funding from Homes England. The apartments will be managed by Care Plus, which manages 53 retirement living communities across Staffordshire and Shropshire for Housing Plus Group. Care Plus will also offer care and support for residents who need help to live independently.
The building is scheduled for completion in the summer and expressions of interest from prospective tenants can be made now, by searching for Wren House on the Stafford and Rural Homes website.
ENDS
Caption:
Wren House, a new landmark for Stafford
Aerial footage of the siteis available here
Background for editors
Stafford and Rural Homes (SARH) is a social landlord with around 6,000 homes across Stafford, Stone and the rural villages across the Borough. The association works closely with resident and partners and to support customers and communities.
SARH is registered as a Charitable Community Benefit Society and is part of Housing Plus Group, a leading provider of quality, affordable homes and care services that customers can trust across Shropshire and Staffordshire. Housing Plus Group members also include South Staffordshire Housing Association, Severnside Housing, Care Plus and Severn Homes.
Housing Plus Group is addressing the housing crisis by starting to build 2,000 new homes for rent, shared ownership and outright sale by 2023. The Group has pledged to deliver one-third more hours of care and support for older people in their own homes and to create apprenticeship opportunities for 100 people in the Group and its supply chain within five years.
Its members are inspired by the CLARITY values which are the foundations of its work: Communication, Learning, Accountable, Respectful, Inclusive, Trust and YOU.
Further information
Mara Hargreaves
Head of marketing and communications
m:07800 619 863
e:mara.hargreaves@sarh.co.uk
Clare Chick
Marketing and communications officer
m: 07950 254 279
e:clare.chick@housingplusgroup.co.uk
Martin Farrow
CHANGEWORKS Communications
t: + 44 (0) 1785 247588
m: +44 (0)7771 970025
e: mfarrow@changeworkscom.co.uk