FIRST TENANTS MOVE INTO HUGE NEW AFFORDABLE HOUSING DEVELOPMENT IN NORWICH
The first tenants to move into one of the largest developments of new affordable homes in Norwich for many years have received the keys to their new homes.
Over the coming days, 60 one- and two-bedroom apartments at Canary Quay next to the Norwich City Football Club stadium will be handed over. The new homes, which are for social rent, are the first phase in an ambitious development by Broadland Housing Group which will eventually see 323 new homes created.
The new homes will be a mix of social and intermediate rent and open market properties. All 60 new homes in Phase One are social rent.
The development is taking place on land originally bought from the football club by Broadland Housing Group in two separate landholding deals. The housing association has worked closely with the Broads Authority to protect the natural habitats on the riverbank and ensure the sustainability of the site.
Broadland Housing chief executive Michael Newey commented, “It is very pleasing to be handing over the first new homes on a site which was previously neglected and derelict, and which we are transforming into a vibrant new living quarter for Norwich, providing high-quality homes near the city centre for people who need them the most, at rents they can afford.
“This is an ambitious scheme on a large scale which has taken considerable time to bring to fruition; when we see the delight on our tenants’ faces when they receive their keys, it makes all that hard work worthwhile.”
The new homes are being built by RG Carter; the architects are Ingleton Wood and the consulting engineers Rossi Long.
Case Study: Andrew Parfitt
One of the first tenants to receive their keys at Canary Quay was Andrew Parfitt – whose new home overlooks two of his former workplaces.
Retired railwayman Andrew worked at the rail depot immediately adjacent to the new development, before which he worked at the Colman’s works, just across the river, and visible from the balcony of his sixth floor one-bedroom apartment.
Andrew, who has lived in Norwich since his early 20s, had previously been living in rented accommodation which was plagued by anti-social behaviour, and is delighted with his new home.
“When I first saw the flat I was amazed – it is so nice,” said Andrew. My dad was a builder, so I can appreciate the quality of the finish; it’s done to a great standard. The moment I walked in, I was sold!
“It is so nice to be coming back to where I spent most of my working life, it’s a part of the city I love. This is now my ‘forever home’. I’m confident is it going to be a real community.”
Case Study: Brandon Cheesman
20 year-old Brandon Cheesman has spent the past 18 months in shared accommodation at the YMCA, and his one-bedroom fifth-floor apartment at Canary Quay is his first home.
Having grown up in Norwich, Brandon has been working in tree surgery with his granddad, and is hoping to take his certificates and become a tree surgeon himself.
“My flat is really good quality, when my mum saw it she was so excited she joked that she wanted to move out of her own house and live here,” said Brandon.
“It has got everything. Being in the city I can walk everywhere, or get the bus easily, and everything like shops are close by. And I really love the football, which is next door.”